trope
Marriage Bed Trope
The Marriage Bed Trope centers on a married couple whose physical intimacy has stalled, fractured, or become a site of tension, and the story follows them as they navigate their way back to desire and connection within the bounds of their vows.
Why readers love it
Readers are drawn to the built-in stakes of a relationship already in crisis, where every touch carries the weight of past hurt and the promise of renewal feels earned rather than instant.
Also called
Sexless marriage
arranged marriage consummation
estranged spouses
working through infidelity
bedroom deadlock
rediscovering passion