Hi Sooner,
I've got a time crunch again, but I wanted to touch base with you.

You've done your job with communicating with your W. She knows where you stand. Now you give her space, just like you're trying to do. Here's a spin on that which may make it easier for you to feel sincere...you're giving her less physical contact because that's what she has indicated she wants. You've heard her and you're respecting her position. Don't read anything else into her position except that for now she needs space. (You're going to want to know for how long though, right? I don't know the answer to that! Try not to think about it.)

This approach is not a manipulation tactic to make her want sex. It is not an attempt to hurt her or drive home what less physical contact means. It is simply giving her what she has asked for. You love her. You've heard her. Your love for her is the reason you're giving her what she wants even though you don't much like it. This is what you think to yourself, not what you say to her. Don't say anything to her. Just do it (or rather don't do it.)

No need to apologize. You haven't done anything wrong. You tried the first obvious approach, talk about a problem, and it didn't solve the problem immediately. The positive thing is that your W isn't clueless about how you feel. That is a success. (Take a deep breath, let it out and with it let go of the need to provide more information. )

At some point...after much space has been given...you can always show understanding for the pressure she must have felt. The reason to do that is not to apologize, but to open up the situation for mutual give and take and understanding. Acknowledging how another person may have felt is a friendly gesture which often makes it easier for him/her to reciprocate. But don't do it right now! I think she's a bit annoyed with you and those feelings need to dissipate. (No, I do not know how long it will take! )

I had some more stuff I wanted to share with you, but will have to wait for later. It doesn't have anything to do with understanding your wife. It has more to do with the fact that you and I have both been the less-satisfied member of a marriage, although for different reasons. There are some things you can do which will lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and intimacy without any change on the part of your spouse. But you have to want that sense of satisfaction and intimacy more than you want specific behavior change from your spouse.

Best, MPT

P.S. Boy, I can type alot when I've got a time crunch.