MPT - you're right, I don't know the answers to a lot of those questions - and it bothers me that I don't. Those are great examples and I appreciate all the thought that you put into your reply. I would love to be able to talk to my wife on that level - to really know her. I think that's a critical part of the marriage relationship. Unfortunately my wife doesn't open up very often - she keeps everything to herself and acts like certain parts of her life are none of my business. I don't really think that she grasps the "two become one" concept of marriage. When I've tried to ask her questions in order to get to know her better, she usually reacts as if I'm giving her the third degree - like I'm trying to find out something to use against her. That's never my intent, although I'm sure my approach could use some work. I'll give some thought to what you've said and try to work in such questions more often when I have an opportunity. Thank you as always.
luvhubby - thank you for your response as well. I honestly don't know if my wife ever likes a certain way that I smell - sure wish I knew. I may be spending all of my time trying to smell clean when I should really be staying sweaty!
You've given me some great suggestions - I especially like the full-family massage. My wife works because we can't currently afford for her not to - and the things you've said are right on the money. I think she does feel that she's lost herself between work, the kids, and numerous other committments that come up. She has said that she never has any time to herself. I should probably offer to take the kids off her hands more often, although she seems to feel left out if we run off and leave her. Also, she's said that she feels guilty that she can't be home with the girls every day. Our 5-year old is in a half day pre-K program and I know it bothers my wife to think about not being able to see the girls off to school every morning and greet them at home every day. I'm hoping that we'll eventually be able to get by on my income alone so that she can quit working and be a stay-at-home-mom, or at least cut back to only a few hours per week. But for now all I can do is sympathize and try to understand how she feels. Thanks so much - your comments have been helpful.
