

{"id":29570,"date":"2018-11-14T06:10:07","date_gmt":"2018-11-14T06:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=29570"},"modified":"2026-03-16T10:13:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T10:13:18","slug":"say-no-sex-without-hurting-partner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/say-no-sex-without-hurting-partner\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Say No to Sex: 17 Ways to Feel Comfortable and Confident"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9454 size-full\" title=\"5 Ways to Say No to Sex Without Hurting Your Partner\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/5-Ways-to-Say-No-to-Sex-Without-Hurting-Your-Partner.jpg\" alt=\"man trying to get close to woman while she is refraining\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saying no to the people you love is tricky and can confer a different meaning to the person at the receiving end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though you are on the same wavelength with your partner, saying &lsquo;no&rsquo; to their sexual advances can create unnecessary stress and awkwardness between the two of you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how can you deal with such a tricky situation?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking sex advice from an expert<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help. But it is better if you learn how to deal with such a complicated situation all by yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why-don%E2%80%99t-I-want-to-have-sex\"><\/span><b>Why don&rsquo;t I want to have sex?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry spells are a part of the relationship, but when the situation of a no-sex relationship is prolonged, it can hurt the foundation of your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex and intimacy are important aspects of every marriage or relationship. So, depriving your partner of it can be troublesome. Instead, you must look into the root cause of the problem. Let&rsquo;s figure out the reasons for disinterest in sex:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body image issues could lead to you being hesitant with your partner. In this case, you will have difficulty opening up to your partner.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationship rut can also be a cause of not wanting to have sex.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy can lead to a long pause in the sex life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress and depression of one partner can disrupt the relationship.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Birth control pills can affect the hormones and lead to a loss of sex drive.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why-say-no-to-sex\"><\/span><b>Why say no to sex?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9455 size-full\" title=\"This can spare both of you from a distressing situation later\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/This-can-spare-both-of-you-from-a-distressing-situation-later.jpg\" alt=\"couple sleeping together\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saying no to sex when you are not ready is a good idea because, ultimately, it will be burdensome for you to not express your disinterest in the long run. Besides, if you feel that your partner has been cheating on you, you should look for ways to say no to sex and solve the relationship issues first.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not just this, if you have lost interest in the person and feel that you will regret it in the long run, it is one solid reason for saying no to sex.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17-ways-to-say-no-to-sex-without-hurting-your-partner\"><\/span><b>17 ways to say no to sex without hurting your partner&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/healthy-sex-life\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy sex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the best thing in a successful relationship. However, there come moments when your partner wants to do it, but you don&rsquo;t. Denying or saying no up front can lead to arguments, which eventually can escalate things to the worst.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Believe it or not, sex is as important in a relationship as an emotional connection. Sex keeps the spark alive. It keeps you both connected and, over the period, strengthens the relationship. Any absence of it for a longer period can hamper the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it&rsquo;s enjoyed well when both want to do it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/5-reasons-why-theres-intimacy-missing-in-your-marriage\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top 5 Most Common Reasons Why Couples Stop Having Sex<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<p><b>Here are 17 easy ways to say no to sex without hurting your partner:<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Communicate the message to your partner earlier than saying no abruptly<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling low or tired?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the tips for saying no to sex in a relationship is to communicate the message to your partner earlier than saying no in the heat of the moment. This can spare both of you from a distressing situation later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Attach a valid reason to your lack of inclination<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just saying &lsquo;no&rsquo; to the sexual advances of your partner without attaching any valid reason to the rejection may not go down well with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you clearly explain why you are not in the mood to have sex, it can subdue their anger. There is nothing wrong with saying &lsquo;no&rsquo; to them, but when you do, make sure that you give a proper explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You owe your partner that. If you share a healthy relationship with your companion, then it is not a difficult task to say &lsquo;no&rsquo; to suggestions at times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If matters go out of your hand, you can always turn to some expert for sex advice, who will look at the situation objectively and problem-solve the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/intimacy\/common-intimacy-issues-in-a-marriage\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex and intimacy issues in your marriage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Sexual activity off the table? Make a plan to retain the passion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your lover is in the mood to turn the heat on between the two of you, it is better not to douse the fire completely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though you are not okay with the idea of having sex, you can always find an alternate way to connect with them. In a relationship, sex offers a lot more than just mere physical gratification. It is a method to love and to be loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If sexual activity is off the table, then cuddling, hand-holding, a friendly conversation over a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/romantic-dinner-ideas-for-couples-at-home\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">romantic dinner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or watching a film together can do the job for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pleasure that is obtained from a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sexual encounter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lasts for a couple of minutes. But, enjoying the feeling of togetherness through simple activities can provide a greater containment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. The rain check is the word; suggest an alternate date<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-63744\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/sex-in-marriage-benefits-the-role-of-emotional-intimacy.jpg\" alt=\"man and woman under the sheet looking at each other\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual rejection feels a lot manageable for your partner if they are given a safety net.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider that you have been planning a weekend out with your friends for quite some time. If your friends cancel the outing at the last moment, you are likely to feel extremely disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might end up having unsettled feelings post-rejection. On the other hand, if your friends reject the proposal by giving a proper reason and suggest some alternate dates for the outing, then you are spared from such unpleasant thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same situation occurs when you bluntly turn down your partner&rsquo;s sexual advances without mentioning any reason or offering any suggestion. It is better if your reason is followed by an alternate date when both of you can mutually enjoy a blissful session of sex.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Be gentle, no need to tag your partner as a sex maniac<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are declining your partner&rsquo;s sex proposal, try to keep your tone and approach mild and gentle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid an aggressive tone even though you are feeling stressed or irritated. Whatever your mood is, do not reflect that in your words.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not spurn your companion with rude words or accuse them of being a sex maniac.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, your partner might try to coax you lovingly to give in to their needs. It is up to you how you handle the situation. You have to communicate the message clearly without offending or hurting them badly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be gentle and loving while staying true to your decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Avoid outright rejections<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/thepowermoves.com\/daring-greatly-summary\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daring Greatly<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, men are more vulnerable at the time of &lsquo;initiating sex&rsquo; with their partners than women.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They find it hard to accept rejections from their partners, especially when it comes to sex. Men tend to take such denials personally. But some women are also known to take rejections to heart. Unlike men, the fairer sex is highly likely to get emotionally attached to their sexual partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hence, such denials can prove damaging to an otherwise<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/top-characteristics-of-a-healthy-relationship\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, you can avoid such unpleasant moments in your love life.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/benefits-of-healthy-relationships\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 Benefits of Healthy Relationships<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>7. Something that you do not like, speak up<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe the way you guys are doing it is not exciting you enough. Instead of ignoring your feelings and doing it just for the sake of it, speak up for yourself. If you wish to ignore sex, your partner has every right to know how you feel when you both are physically involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are times when people just don&rsquo;t speak up and fake it. Trust us, people know when the other person is faking it. It hurts them more, and this could sour the relationship between both of you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, speak up and tell them what you like and what you don&rsquo;t like. They would feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Consider foreplay<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indeed! Sex is not always about penetration. It&rsquo;s a way to show that you both <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">love<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> each other. There are days when you just don&rsquo;t like having sex, and it&rsquo;s totally normal. Consider opting for just foreplay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk this out with your partner and explain your situation. We are sure they would understand your situation and won&rsquo;t hesitate to just foreplay. There is nothing to worry about in such situations. It happens once in a while when there is no desire to have sex, but foreplay can do wonders on those days.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/foreplay-ideas-spice-up-your-life\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 Foreplay Ideas That Will Surely Spice up Your Sex Life<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>9. Seek the help of an expert<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There can be moments when your partner wants to do it, but you don&rsquo;t, and it&rsquo;s totally understandable. However, if you feel that this is continuing for a longer period, then it&rsquo;s time for you to consult an expert.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our body has its own way of telling us that something isn&rsquo;t right inside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>So, when you think that the sex is drying up in your relationship, you should seek the help of an expert.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe there is a mental pressure that you&rsquo;re not aware of or something physical that is keeping you away from sex. Identifying it at the right time and consulting an expert can help you a lot.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Keep the communication constant in your relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way of declining sex is by saying no; another way is talking about it with your partner. Life is full of stress. We all have multiple responsibilities, and at times, the pressure to juggle between all of these puts pressure on our mental and physical health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">According to <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/christiana-njoku\" target=\"_blank\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Christiana Njoku<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, a licensed professional counselor:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Don&rsquo;t assume<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> that your partner will understand how you feel.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Be open to communicating how you feel.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, whenever you feel like something is bothering you or is coming in between your sex life, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.in\/Communication-Marriage-Communicate-Without-Fighting-ebook\/dp\/B00TWFOI8E\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speak with your partner<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking out or sharing things with your partner will ease you. So, instead of feeling pressured to have it, just speak your mind. We are sure you will feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>11. Politely decline the offer<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We know this can be difficult to just say no to sex, as you don&rsquo;t want to offend your partner&rsquo;s request, but sometimes honesty is needed. After all, it is one of the foundations of a relationship. So, instead of running around the bushes, just tell your partner that you&rsquo;re not interested in it right now.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you&rsquo;re saying this, also express the reason for it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They&rsquo;ve every right to know why you&rsquo;re saying no or if something is bothering you. Talking things out is the best solution to keep the relationship strong and going on for ages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>12. Be aware that no one can do anything without your consent<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just because your partner wants to have sex with you doesn&rsquo;t mean they can. They would need your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beintheknow.org\/sex-and-relationships\/relationships-sexuality-and-rights\/what-sexual-consent\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">consent <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for this. If at any point you think you don&rsquo;t want to do it, you have every right to decline it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you think your partner is not being polite enough and refuses to understand your request, remind them about the consent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The law is pretty strict when it comes to safeguarding individuals from such situations. Any sex without consent will be considered criminal in the eyes of the law. So, you must know your rights and should know when and how to use them to protect yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>13. Work towards building a better understanding together<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9457 size-full\" title=\"A relationship is not just about indulging in sexual encounters\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/A-relationship-is-not-just-about-indulging-in-sexual-encounters.jpg\" alt=\"couple laughing and enjoying themselves\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p>One of the ways to say no to sex without hurting him is to divert your partner&rsquo;s mind from it and work on making the relationship wholesome instead of pressing on the topic of sex.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner clearly understands your expectations, inhibitions, limitations, and mood swings, then it will become easier for them to handle any rejection from your end. Your partner will easily decipher the message conveyed through your body language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is possible only when you are on the same wavelength as your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/understanding-relationships\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Improve Understanding in a Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>14. Think beyond sex and spice up your relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relationship is not just about indulging in sexual encounters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>One way to say no to sex is to ask your partner to build the spice in the relationship along with you.<\/p>\n<p>Just as advised by Christiana Njoku:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>To build intimacy in your relationship, spice it up!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are other<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ways to spice up your love life<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You have to understand that sex is not something that you can force on your partner. But sexual rejection can always be a difficult pill to swallow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rejections can hurt your partner&rsquo;s ego, especially if the non-acceptance is for their sexual advances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking sexual advice from an expert does work, but as partners, you need to put in genuine efforts to break the barrier between the two of you.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-do-you-spice-up-a-boring-relationship\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Do You Spice up a Boring Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>15. Use body language<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid sex in a relationship?&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">If you are hesitant to say it upfront, one way to avoid having sex is to use&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/what-your-body-language-says-about-your-relationship\/\" target=\"_blank\">body language<\/a> to signal that you are not feeling in tune with him at the moment and wish to stay away from sex.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, you can tell them you are sleepy in advance so that they don&rsquo;t make a move and, ultimately, feel hurt when you say no.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>16. Postpone it<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your partner approaches you, and you wonder how to say no to sex without hurting them, you can postpone the sex and assure them that you will have sex at a later date or time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you give them the assurance and they know it&rsquo;s not off the table, they will not feel disconnected.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>17. Learn to appreciate<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appreciate your partner for understanding you and taking care of your needs. Once you begin to acknowledge their efforts, they will feel involved in the relationship and be patient and supportive around you.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/appreciating-and-valuing-your-spouse\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appreciating And Valuing Your Spouse<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Takeaway\"><\/span><b>Takeaway<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sex plays an important role in a relationship, but it&rsquo;s not everything. There are instances when your partner wants to do it, but you don&rsquo;t and are not sure what to do.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hopefully, these tips will equip you with useful insight into declining the sexual advances when you are not feeling up to it, while ensuring the rejection doesn&rsquo;t drive a wedge between your marital happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, it&rsquo;s always consensual. No one can ever force you to have sex at any given point in time.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Saying no to the people you love is tricky and can confer a different meaning to the person at the receiving end. Even though you are on the same wavelength with your partner, saying &lsquo;no&rsquo; to their sexual advances can create unnecessary stress and awkwardness between the two of you. So, how can you deal with such a tricky situation? Seeking sex advice from an expert can help. But it is better if you learn how to deal with such a complicated situation all by yourself. Why don&rsquo;t I want to have sex? Dry spells are a part of the <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":29572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[2514],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29570"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29570"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29570\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":118188,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29570\/revisions\/118188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29570"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29570"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29570"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}