A Taiwanese man, Hao, ended his marriage after his wife, Xuan, started demanding payment for sexual intercourse, citing his weight and performance.
In Taiwan, a deteriorating marriage leads to an ultimate divorce when a husband is compelled to pay for intimate encounters due to alleged sexual incompetence and weight issues, New York Post reported.
Hao and Xuan tied the knot in 2014, embarking on what appeared to be a promising union. However, their relationship began showing cracks in 2017, with Xuan limiting their intimate moments to just once per month. Hao’s weight and supposed sexual inefficiency became points of contention for Xuan, who voiced her dissatisfaction openly.
Communication Breakdown Magnifies Marital Strife
By 2019, the situation had deteriorated further; Xuan refused to engage in any sexual activity with Hao and criticized him publicly among relatives. It culminated in a dysfunctional marriage where communication was almost nonexistent, with Hao and Xuan resorting to using messaging apps exclusively for any discussions.
In 2021, driven by desperation, Hao sought legal separation, filing for divorce. However, the couple momentarily reconciled after Xuan promised to improve their relationship. In a gesture of goodwill and perhaps hope, Hao transferred the registration of their home into Xuan’s name, a decision he would soon regret.
Unusual Marital Agreements Surface
The brief reconciliation did not bring the anticipated improvement in their relationship. Xuan soon resumed her restrictive and demanding behavior, this time introducing a new dimension: a fee structure for intimacy. She imposed a charge of $15 for sexual activities and even simple conversations, further complicating their strained relationship.
Hao, disillusioned and feeling cornered, approached the courts again in 2022 seeking a divorce. This time the separation proceeded, with the judge labeling the marriage as "cold and difficult to fix." The judge’s decision emphasized the dysfunctional nature of their interaction and acknowledged the singular nature of the circumstances.
Ruling Stands Despite Appeals
Xuan, not ready to let go, appealed to a higher court in a bid to overturn the divorce decree. Despite her efforts, the court rejected the appeal, cementing the end of their troubled union. This case echoes a similar instance from 2014, where a Taiwanese woman charged her husband for sexual activities, generating significant media attention and societal debate.
According to New York City divorce lawyer James Sexton, cases like these often stem from underlying money issues and dissatisfaction in the bedroom, which if unresolved, lead to bigger fissures in the relationship. He points out that a lack of sexual activity can push the marriage to the brink of infidelity, noting, "A sex drought typically results in infidelity, observing that men want more quantity sex, women want more quality."
Insights From Legal Perspectives
Sexton further remarked on the differences in sexual expectations between genders, stating, "It’s the same reason porn is more popular with men than it is with women — because men just want to get the job done." This commentary sheds light on the varied expectations and perceptions that can influence marital dynamics and lead to significant disputes.
The marriage of Hao and Xuan, starting with hope in 2014, devolved into a series of unfortunate events over the years. Starting with limiting intimate encounters, escalating to criticisms about physical appearance and competency, and culminating in the bizarre scenario of monetized intimacy — all these elements paint a complex picture of marital discord.
Broad Implications of Unique Marital Dispute
Their decision to finalize the divorce reflects their recognition of the insurmountable challenges they faced and sets a precedent for how similar cases might be perceived legally. Hao and Xuan’s story, while unique, underscores the complexities of modern marriages, where issues of intimacy, communication, and mutual respect play pivotal roles.
In conclusion, Hao and Xuan’s marriage journey reflects a convoluted mesh of personal dissatisfaction, financial arrangements, and legal battles. From the initial signs of trouble with intimacy restrictions to the peculiar development of charging fees for communication and sex, and finally to the legal resolution of divorce — their story encapsulates a spectrum of challenges that modern couples may face. Importantly, it highlights the complexity of personal relationships and the profound impact of mutual respect and communication in sustaining a healthy marital partnership.
