Lots to say about ‘Not interested’

Dear Annie: I can’t believe the advice you gave “Not Interested Now/Never Was,” who didn’t want sex anymore after 37 years of marriage. To say she should submit because her husband is good to her is tantamount to saying a young girl should have sex because a guy provided her with a nice night out. – Avon, Ind.

Dear Avon: Marital sex is controversial enough without unfairly comparing consensual, albeit unenthusiastic sex within marriage to some kind of obligatory teen sex after a movie. Read on for more opinions:

From Boston: That husband is a saint. I would happily take care of his needs in exchange for all he does so willingly.

West Virginia: I am sure I am one of thousands of single women who would adore a great husband who cherished me. I would make love to him as often and as long as he wanted. Tell her to set him free. He deserves better.

Louisiana: I could live without sex, too, but I know it is part of marriage and important to most men. She sounds selfish to be so unconcerned about his feelings and needs. My husband is 65 and, thanks to Viagra, still wants it three times a week.

Vermont: I was appalled that you said, “Once a week is not excessive.” Do the math. After 37 years of marriage, this woman has had nearly 2,000 unwanted sexual encounters. Seems excessive to me. Sex should be entered into willingly.

East Coast: My husband of 25 years read that letter and said, “Some women don’t get it.” She loves her husband? He only asks for one thing and she complains? Sex is part of what marriage is all about. If she just wanted a companion, she should have told him before they married.

New Hampshire: I, too, have a wonderful husband, but am not interested in sex. I’m in my early 60s and can’t get comfortable with the thought of him touching my aging, sagging body. I love him with all my heart, but can’t get past the image of how I look getting out of the shower.