What is the reason for a marriage to continue if one partner is no longer attracted to the other?

Question

Please avoid refering to children. I am referring spefically the marriage relationship.

I am speaking of physical changes, to one is no longer attractive to the other. Is it better to let it go so that both partners can find relationships where there is mutual attraction, rather than being one sided?

Answer 1

Physical attraction is just one aspect of a relationship sometimes ppl stay today because besides the attraction they get along well. they are too afraid to try something new or to leave the relationship is like giving up. thats just one of many other reasons. But its best to talk to that person maybe the person may be will to make changes to make themselves more attractive.

Answer 2

The reason that one may continue a marriage or any other relationship when physical attraction has faded is because physical attraction can be fickle and the person understands that this may change again back to the previous status of feeling attracted to the partner.
Love I would say is the front runner for staying in the relationship. Knowing that you love someone regardless of their physical appearance is true love.
Guilt may be another reason that someone stays in a relationship where the physical attraction is gone.
It really depends on the length of time that the loss of attraction lasts.

However
If one feels no desire for maintaining a relationship with their partner then the relationship should end. Each CAN move on and find another partner that can make their life happy.

There are so many more factors to take into account when ending a relationship (especially a marriage) besides physical attraction. And they may very well out weigh the small issue of physical attraction.

Answer 3

Difficult to answer with the limited information you are offering, but here are some ideas based on the idea that you are talking about physical attraction when you say "no longer attracted to the other."

Physical aspects of any relationship is only, and should only be, one part of a multi-faceted partnership that can and should be fulfilling in many ways. Companionship, as corny as that sounds, can be a deeper and more fulfilling relationship than any physical pleasure that can come from pairing up. This, in my professional and personal opinion, should be fundamental to any relationshp; regardless of whether or not there is still a physical attraction. There are also financial reasons, as well as child issues, but I am certain you are looking for something more substantial or more pertinent than either of these.

I can't help but wonder if you are questioning your attraction to your spouse. If so, than this forum is not the place to be resolving questions, but rather in the presence of professional counselor who can help you discover why your feelings have changed. Together, you and your spouse can explore what is happening and perhaps find answers that will resolve your situation; either giving you reasons to stay together, finding out why attraction has declined, or how to part with minimal damage if that final option becomes necessary to you both. To do otherwise, make such a decision without your spouse, would be unfair and hurtful to you both.

Understand that declining attraction can have many causes. Some of them can even be physically caused (drops in hormone levels, etc.) and quickly changed through the proper treatment.

Consult the proper professionals.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

Well that would depend if the one partner only fell in love because of the physical attraction, and that was all they were interested in. If so there is no reason to continue. If you truely love a person on the inside and have married and commited your life to them. A lack of physical attraction is not going to be enough to end a marriage. There is always a good diet plan and work out schedule that can help get your partner in shape. And would seem to me that if your partner is so out of shape that your no longer attracted to them, you would be doing them a favor to get them healthy again.
But be careful when suggesting that someone need to work out. Start by asking if they would like to come for a walk with you once in a while. It is a good way to spend time together and burn calories.

Answer 5

I dont think the relationship in marriage is due to mere physical attractiveness. The relationship is between the hearts - I mean the love is heart felt one . There is a difference between when you see a beautifull flower and like it and the love between a mother and her child. The mother will love her child irrespective of the physical appearance of the child. Have you heard about a sayamees twins who under gone seperation surgery and the whole world were praying for them. Why? you cant change your father or mother if they are no longer physically attractive. The love between the life partners are not a mature one if the physical appearance affects it. It is not love. If there is true love, there will not be any problem when the physical appearance becomes dull. For a happy married life, you should love the one who loves you. Not the one with whome you are attracted.

Answer 6

It depends on why there is a loss of attraction and how long it has gone on. It might be indicative of a relationship breakdown, the relationship was empty or false to start with. It may have to do with physical changes in the person, a general lack of libido or poor health, that are masked, denied or otherwise unable to be addressed in a straightforward manner. Loss of attraction might be indicative of other problems, like stress, depression, PTSD, etc.
Even if there are no children and divorce is imminent, the couple or afflicted person should go to counselling to make sure they know why the relationship broke down. They are likely to commit the same mistakes once the relationship is over.

Answer 7

If the marriage is solely based on physical attraction, then there is no reason to continue, nor was there a reason to get married. Physical attraction will change with anyone/everyone over the years, marriage should be based on if you want a "life partner" to experience life with. Someone you trust, have fun with, can work out problems with, count on and truly love and want as a part of your life.

Answer 8

Marriage is so much more than physical attraction, if there is no love or committment and you don't see something inside of the person's heart and soul how did you ever even get married. I guess if all you are looking for is physical attraction then leave, but you are in for a very disappointing life because we all get older and no matter what you are when your young, your outer beauty will fade so you better have more to rely on. Good luck.

Answer 9

What do you mean no reason. Have you tried marriage counselling? I mean it takes two to break up a marriage and your reason is justified in any case. Have you tried to recall your special memories what attracted you to your spouse? The feelings, the love.....its still there just buried deep inside of you. Now unless you're cheating then this is a different case. Really growup, look at the question you're asking and seriously consider it deeply look at this and think of the pros and cons. Your marriage can still be revived and make it work yes for the sake of your child so they are a part of your life! Also for you sake and your spouse you just don't stop loving someone because you want to, you don't stop liking someone cause you are bored. You wouldn't be asking the question if you didn't care. Good luck.

Answer 10

Marriage is about companionship. You can find ways to get hot and bothered for each other again, you just have to be willing to try. If you can no longer stand the kind of person your spouse has become then I think that is a bigger reason to wonder if you should part ways. The main reason to continue in a marriage though is because you gave your word to God, your spouse, and a room full of people that you would.