Thanks for stopping in! I have often (even recently) offered to bring W a drink, or a snack, while she is studying, or watching TV. She almost never accepts anymore, to the point of almost being angry when she turns it down. There have been times when I will offer, and then a bit later I will here her ask one of the kids for something. That's gotten a bit frustrating. But, I think I will try to consistently offer for a while, and see how she reacts.
n_a, I almost always clean up after dinner, and start the dishwasher. I've gone through the 5LL's a few times, and keep coming to the conclusion that her's is "leave me the heck alone!" And so I do. But that's not getting us anywhere.
Ali, I would say that I withdrew from her in reaction to her pulling away. Though I would not be at all surprised if she had a different opinion. It seems that to her, the lack of any physical relationship at all is not a big deal. But for me, it made even sitting in the same room uncomfortable. Sort of like walking through the supermarket hungry, and not even having a dime in your pocket. So I avoid it.
Firekeeper, I have heard or read the same thing. At the same time, the example of a relationship they are seeing can't be a good thing either. So I wonder. Which isn't to say I'm going to leave because of the kids.
Jeanette, I will be working on those boxes. I regret leaving them out to begin with, it doesn't feel like I'll ever be forgiven for that!
