So sorry to hear about your situation. I believe that one must struggle and strive to hold a relationship together, but there is a point when too much too long is enough. Life is too short to be unhappy for so many years. I'm not saying to totally give up yet, but it sounds like you've turned a corner. I think you have to quit dribbling and send the ball into her side of the court. She needs to make some effort, make a decision on whether you mean enough to her to make some changes.
I can only imagine how tough it would be for me to lose my relationship with the woman that I have always loved and desired. It would be shattering. But after a time, I would pick up the pieces and dust myself off and head out to build a new life for myself. I would make some drastic changes in my lifestyle, positive changes, nurture myself, rebuild my confidence and remember life is short. 47 is not very old, in fact it is right in the prime of life. Sign up at a gym and work out 3-4 times a week, spend some money on a few new duds (get some ideas from AllSuitedUp's posts). I know a 46 year old nice guy in reasonable shape that hooked up a very sweet and horny 32 yr old. He has grandkids and a son that's her age...they get along just fine.
Nopkins, you obviously are a caring and thoughtful person, otherwise you wouldn't have put so much effort into your marriage for so many years and you wouldn't be here searching for ways to bail out the sinking ship. If you do have to jump ship at some point, be confident that another one will be by soon. There are a lot of women that have been with absolute bastards for years that would love to be with a caring guy.
