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I am confused. My wife of almost 24 years, whom I love dearly, does not show love to me much anymore. I am usually the one who initiates hugging, holding hands, kissing, saying "I Love You" and making love. She says she loves me (when I say it first) but she does not show affection towards me unless I initiate it first. This has been going on for about a year and a half now. She was very affectionate before and now seems as if I do not exist. When I talk to her about it, she gets very defensive and nothing changes. I don't talk to her about it for that reason. I buy her flowers, bring her favorite cappiciunno (spelling??)and leave her love notes in the morning with no effect. Not to be vulgar, but my wife used to enjoy our times of intimacy but now has not expressed pleasure in that realm for about (6) months now. Can anyone out there help me to understand what is going on? Oh, if it makes a difference, my wife is 47 and we have (2) grown boys; one gone and another soon to be gone (in college). Please advise and thanks. I am out of ideas... Thanks, madlyinlovewithmywife


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Rina -

I appreciate the compliments.  Please know that I am not perfect.  I do the best I know how to do. 

 

I am hoping that my wife does get back to her old self.  Until then, I will continue to love her unconditionally and continue to show that love for her.

 

As I was corresponding with you, I sensed that you were a Christian.  My wife and I are both Christians and I guess that makes my situation even more difficult.  I guess because she is a Christian, I expect her to reciprocate my love and when it does not happen, I do not understand it.  I, on the other hand, I have a struggle.  When I said "for better or worse", I meant it.  I have talked with others about my situation and received advice that I should leave her.  The thought of being with someone that will love me back is tempting but I made a vow to God  . . . "for better or worse". 

 

About a year and a half ago, my wife became attracted to another man.  She admitted to me that this had happened, we talked it through and it ended.  It was just an attraction, no dating or even phone calls.  They did not even exchange phone numbers.  This man would come into the library where she works.  Since then, she has not been the same towards me.  During this same time, my wife revealed some things to me that I was not aware of and that hurt me deeply.  She told me that she loved me but that she was never "in love with me" and that she married me because I was a nice guy and she wanted a family.  The news about the man and these statements made almost drove me to have a nervous breakdown.  I was devastated.  I guess the thing that bothers me the most is the uncertainty of our relationship.  If you would ask me if we will still be married a year from now, my answer would be "not sure".  I would have never said that before.

 

I guess I needed to vent  . . .  

 

I thank God that I have had this chance to correspond with you as this has been therapeutic for me even though nothing has changed.  It's nice to know someone cares.

 

Continue helping people as this certainly is a ministry God has called you to.

  Bill from Maryland State 

Posted 3 months ago ( permalink )
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Live simply, love generously and  care deeply.

 

Hi Bill,

     The way people would respond to your situation is going to change because of the new information you just added.   I think I will be brutally honest here.  In that case, she does not need to see any Gynecologist.  She loves somebody else, I'm sorry to say that.  She just can't tell you that's the reason why she does not want to have sex with you.  Generally,  we women love to make love with the man we love and care about, (except for those women for hire),  I understand how she feels.  It's not easy to pretend to enjoy lovemaking if  a woman is thinking about someone else.  I don't know how men are. 

     Bill, you are in a very tough situation, you want to keep your vow to be with your wife forever, but the problem is she does not share the same feeling.  That makes life difficult and unbearable, difficult to accept too.  You gave her all your love and caring  but her mind is somewhere else.

    I do think that God is a good God, He understands everything that is happening between the 2 of you.  I think He will understand if you will let her go where she will be happy.  She is like a beautiful bird that you really love but that bird is going to be happier when it is out of your house and being able to enjoy whatever is there to enjoy. Why don't you let her go and give her the freedom that she wants? The reason why she married you was not a good reason, it's because you are a nice man.  And then, she met another nice man, perhaps nicer than you, so she wants to be with this person.

    Bill, you are only 47 years old, you don't need to waste your life on someone who does not appreciate you as a husband.  You deserve better.  Sex is NOT the most important part of marriage life but is ONE of the most important aspects.  It gives couples a sense of closeness, sense of belonging, uplifts,  knowing that there is one person who is going to be by your side through thick and thin, and through trials.  But if you are in a relationship wherein there is none of the above mentioned, life is empty and meaningless.  Everyone wants to be cared about, given importance, and appreciated.  If you are not getting this from the woman you married, then it's time to let go, move on and find a woman who is going to reciprocate your affection, caring and attention.  You need to have a quality of life, not just living day to day, wondering when your wife will sprinkle you with a love that is divided.

     I think you need to really sit down with her and have an honest discussion of both your plans for the future. , if you are included in her plans.  She needs to answer you honestly what she really wants to do for her to be happier in life.  Perhaps her happiness lies in that other man.  How can you deprive her of her happiness?  I think that you will be relieved after you'll have an honest and open discussion just the 2 of you.  Your decision will depend on her honest answer.  Whatever it is, accept it gladly.  You will be relieved of this uncertainty.

    Bill, life is not a bed of roses.  God has His way of testing us.  It's up to you to do what is good for yourself and also for her.

God Bless you Bill.  I know that there are a lot of men who are in  the same situation as you are in.  I hope your mind will be enlightened so you will do what is right.    There are a lot of Christians in this website who will  include you in their prayers.   I know they will.  I will certainly keep you in my prayers.   Prayers do a lot of wonders which our human mind can't even fathom.

Rina


Posted 3 months ago ( permalink )
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You know i had a sister in law that was so cold to her husband too he had to basicly beg for some kind of affection but thats just the way some people are i say to you she has raised two boys and that by its self is tireing and also menapause please continue to reach out the way you are and keep loving her hopefully she will snap out of it and see your everlasting love for her!!!!!


Posted 3 months ago ( permalink )
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You know i had a sister in law that was so cold to her husband too he had to basicly beg for some kind of affection but thats just the way some people are i say to you she has raised two boys and that by its self is tireing and also menapause please continue to reach out the way you are and keep loving her hopefully she will snap out of it and see your everlasting love for her!!!!!


Posted 3 months ago ( permalink )
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   " I have my Freedom , but I don't have much time " Wild Horses . The Stones                                                  Protect The Mustang .

                                       

                                                  

                                                              



 
                                                                                                             

Yes the new information changes everything .  Are you 100% certain she is not having an affair with this other man ???   I have a strong feeling she is , and if it's not him , it is with someone else .  She's told you she is not in love with you , I cannot begin to know how that must make you feel .   I am so sorry but unless you and your wife can get some counseling to try to repair this marriage , I think your marriage is over .


Posted 3 months ago ( permalink )
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