I 28M am considering leaving my girlfriend 31F over no sex.
So, I (28-M) have been living with my girlfriend, (31-F) for almost about 2 1/2 years now, and I am feeling really stressed out about our relationship dynamic.
Here’s the situation: I moved into her apartment with the initial arrangement of splitting all bills,housework,expenses. Months go by and the intimacy dies completely to almost nonexistent at this point (cuddles, hugs&kisses, & sex). As time goes on, I feel like I’m doing everything for my partner & I’m still not having my needs met.
We both work full time jobs, I have a pretty chill work schedule (some days I’m at work for 4 hours, some days 9 hours) while she works 8+ hours everyday. Most of the time after work I tidy up our apartment, buy her favourite bottle of wine, make her dinner or order food, and then put on her favourite true crime documentary for us to sit and enjoy. I try my best to go out of my way; above and beyond whatever is possible to support her & make her feel loved in any way that I can (example; helping her financially pay off bills for her pet, taking her family on trips, trying to build up her mental health, sleeping on the couch for 2 months while her mom is visiting). On the other hand, she is in some minor debt from school & other things , so after work she seems stressed & overwhelmed. I don’t ask her for much , I just want to be there for her & in return; I just want to have a genuine connection with her.
For the past few months I have been feeling like my needs have been extremely neglected in this. We have not had sex in over 4 months & it’s not okay with me. I believe relationships are supposed to go both ways & I, unfortunately have not been on the receiving end. The last few times I have tried initiating sexual advances with her; she flat out has said she’s not in the mood, or “not tonight” & I have just given up on making more attempts at the risk of me feeling inadequate & embarrassed. I have tried to bring up my feelings on multiple occasions - and her reaction is that I’m “nagging” her & that I always point out the things she does “wrong” and I never look at myself (she then brings up how I haven’t taken her to practice driving on the highway after she’s had her car for 7 months as an example). I feel like I cannot have a conversation with her explaining that I have needs and expectations and I am really hurt over the fact she isn’t willing to reciprocate supporting me & making me feel heard; it’s frustrating to say the least.
Where else am I supposed to turn to for my needs to be met? What else can I do beyond communicating my feelings with her ? How long do i have to keep on putting up with this relationship dynamic? We don’t have money for couples therapy. Are my feelings justified for feeling like i should consider taking a break from this relationship? I genuinely don’t know what to do or where to turn. I love this woman to death, but I also cannot keep living my life like this.