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TopazDM

long distance + differing libidos in relationships?

(apologies for any formatting; on mobile)

I (25F) and my boyfriend (23M) have been together for roughly two years, and known each other as friends for a bit before that. He lives in Canada for now, getting medical care & assisting his family (two sisters in school still and single mom). I live in the US with a similar family situation & a job I can’t risk losing right now. It is not a drivable distance so we’ve flown to each other for both longer & shorter trips.

The issue is, I’m on a few medications, including birth control, that mess with my libido. It’s basically nonexistent for me in most day to day life and I know that’s definitely not the case for my bf. we’ve had some conversations and try to schedule when we do “activites” now and it can help me get in the right mindset, but rarely to I feel excited about anytime beforehand. I prefer in person stuff as at least there I can initiate more & feel more passionate, but that’s not an option for us. We do the best we can and I don’t blame my boyfriend.

I just don’t know how to approach this conversation and what to even say. He’s been so calm and accepting with previous conversations about sexual things, which are a sensitive topic for me. I don’t want to start seeing sex as a chore or start resenting him for asking for it. I love him. I don’t want this to drive a rift between us but I just, I struggle to get in the mood in 80% of cases if not more. I can agree and enjoy myself long distance but it’s complicated.

A good schedule for only me would probably only be a few times a month, meanwhile he’d like to do things at least weekly if not multiple times s week if our schedules aligned. He’s very giving with our dynamic which I appreciate but again I just, I struggle to get until the right mindset or think to plan/initiate.

I know this is probably a common enough topic, but the specifics here keep stumping me. Does anyone have any tips or experience with differing libidos AND long distance?

TL;DR my (25F)and my bf (23M) are long distance and my bf wants me to initiate/plan activities more. i struggle with my moods/libido despite adjustments he’s helped made with me. i don’t want to resent him or see sex as a chore but our wants/needs are completely different.

Posted Jun 3, 2025, 7:42 AM UTC

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