Perhaps this is what Doris Odium meant by ‘understanding and forbearance’, although her words imply a passive, submissive woman. If she meant that the couple should try to talk with each other, so that the hidden resentments, the anger, the anxieties, the fears, and the misunderstandings can be ventilated and exposed, the couple have a stronger chance of renewing their regard for each other and strengthening their relationship.
Sometimes the loss of a man’s sexual interest may be due to the competing demands of his occupation, or his male-directed interests. The latter vary from playing golf, drinking with his mates, or watching sport. The competitive world may become all-consuming to him, and, if he believes that he has to work hard and long to provide financially for his old age and for the security of his family, he may be so exhausted by his job that he avoids sex. This is encouraged if he believes the myth that sexual intercourse is weakening. As mental, rather than physical, fatigue is the greater deterrent to sexual responsiveness, and as he may be under some mental stress from the responsibilities of his job, his sexual drive suffers. Physical fatigue may also be a factor, as few middle-aged men are physically fit. Most men are overweight, over-indulge in food and alcohol, and take little exercise.
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