I was hoping for more from the article. It's a topic that plagues many relationships with little credible broader discussion. What's described in the article is not a loving two way relationship. We don't know enough to know why Mark is still there.

Does not feel he has other options, kids involved, a loyal person, loves his partner despite his needs being treated as something to be ignored as far as possible?

The word "need" can be stretched but it's a small subset of men who don't place regular (as in often) sexual intercourse quite a bit above a take it or leave it want.

Society has rightly dealt with outlawing rape within marriage but has not from what I've seen even attempted to discuss the other side of the equation. Societal norms are still pretty much against "cheating" and "cheaters" and I remain undecided about the validity of those surveys thats claim sexual infidelity is rampant. Plenty of serial monogamy but generally getting some elsewhere because your partner is overly fond of watching pointless TV and other distractions is still generally cause for some pretty bitter recriminations, potential loss of friends etc.

The opportunists ware generally quick to claim that it's just that men don't do enough housework but I very much doubt thats all there is to it.

It is a topic that needs some serious rethinking within our culture. If we value monogamy (serial or otherwise) then ignoring the hovering and or lots of headaches, finding reasons why children need to sleep in the room and various other tactics are not valid answers.

R0bert

4 guys meet to play golf, and they started comparing notes.

The first bloke said that this game cost him a new car for his wife.

The second bloke said that this game cost him a diamond ring for his wife.

The third said that this game of golf cost him a new car and a house.

The fourth bloke was silent, and they pressured him to reveal how much this game of golf had cost him.

He said he rolled over and asked his wife; "Golf or Sex?"

"Pick up your golf clubs on the way out!" was the reply from his wife.