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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

I haven’t had sex with my partner for 24 years and I am tempted to sleep with a friend

‘I just want us to be happy.’
‘I just want us to be happy.’ Photograph: Guardian Design Team/Guardian Design Team/Getty Images

My partner and I have been together for 27 years. We are like soulmates and I love him very much, but he stopped having sex with me 24 years ago. I am now almost 50 and he is a few years older. We have had our ups and downs, but have always grown closer, regardless of the lack of sex. I have had a few affairs in the past that I am greatly ashamed of. My last affair was four years ago, but recently a friend, who I know would be discreet, has made advances. We have only kissed but if I’m honest, I do want to have sex with him. However, the thought of doing such a thing plays with my mind and my heart. I don’t want to be that terrible person. My partner won’t talk to me. He is completely closed. He says it’s him and not me. I just want us to be happy. I don’t want to leave him. I feel safe with him. I want to look after him and to know he is all right.

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• If you would like fellow readers to respond to a dilemma of yours, send us an outline of the situation of about 150 words. For advice from Pamela Stephenson Connolly on sexual matters, send us a brief description of your concerns.

• All correspondence should reach us by Wednesday morning. Email:private.lives@theguardian.com (please don’t send attachments).

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