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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Anonymous

My life in sex: the 75-year-old in an open marriage

Illustration by Lo Cole

I have always had what some might consider an unorthodox sex life. For many years I was in an open marriage; my wife and I both had other partners. Eventually I discovered BDSM (bondage, sadomasochism and more). I found I liked tying up women and spanking them, and to my surprise a lot of women liked it, too. They were successful and independent-minded; they just wanted someone to submit to in the bedroom.

I started a blog recounting, discreetly, some of my experiences. I wasn’t writing to attract partners, but I did end up having relationships with some of my readers. My wife had no interest in this kind of sex and eventually we parted; happily we’re still good friends.

Eventually I got married again, to a woman 30 years younger than me, and for five years we had a very active sex life. Lately, that has quietened down, and she has a boyfriend whom she sees once a week. A couple of years ago I ran into an old flame, and we have renewed our relationship. This time around she is very submissive. Since she lives abroad, we meet only three times a year, but it’s very intense when we do – otherwise there are daily emails. My wife is relaxed about this, and I am tolerant of her boyfriend. These days we are more like companions than lovers.

Recently I have been exploring the attractions of switching, moving from being a dominant to a submissive. I know a girl who is very good at “being mean” to me, as she puts it. I don’t think I’ll ever lose my interest in sex. Since I’m now into my 70s I don’t have so much energy, but in my head I’m as active as ever.

• Each week, a reader tells us about their sex life. Want to share yours? Email sex@theguardian.com

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