The answer
Fasting is a blessed period of time when we give up not only food but all fleshly desires. However, if it is hard for a couple to have self-control St. Paul makes a compromise saying, "Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment" (1 Cor 7:5-6). This has to be done with agreement and under the guidance of the spiritual father.Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)