Dearest Essie,

Oh... it sounds so confusing!!! You are so honest to tell us that you are busy having lots of fun and still think of H about every hour. You do have a lot of options \:\) that you have laid out at the end of your last post! The one that appeals to me the most is telling him you feel confused and asking him what he thinks/feels. For some reason I feel the best thing in your situation is just go to him with an open heart and open mind.

For whatever reason the vibe I'm getting from your H is that he needs encouragement. Not an ultimatum ("once a week or it's over, buddy") or even specific requirements ("once a week or it's over, buddy"). Maybe he is looking for an opening from you to tell you how he feels. maybe he is really confused. Maybe he is depressed and he doesn't want you to see him in that state. Maybe he is trying to mirror your behavior of being really cool and busy!

What do you think passionate marriage would say about your situation?

I know I need to do this in my own situation, but could you go back and make a list of what you've done for the past few months and how H has responded? Maybe there is more of a pattern than we realize.

Ok, I just re-read your post and two things popped out at me:

Quote:

Was a good conversation, he ended the it with "hope to see you soon', to which I said "I'd really like that".


OK, if *I* was your H, I might have been hinting that I wanted you to ask me to do something, but I was afraid to ask because you might reject me. Why don't you just ask him to do something with you? Something he would like to do? I know you want him to chase you, but what if he isn't going to do that, because he isn't comfortable doing it, or because you've played it so cool he feels discouraged? Did he ever chase you before?

Quote:
Highly doubtful that H wants to see me on our wedding anniversary - I expect he would have made a plan by now and called me if he was going to....


What if he is thinking the exact same thoughts about you? Why don't you just ask him to do something fun with you? The worst thing that could happen is that you.... see your husband and have a slightly awkward time with him!!!

In the past, did he chase you, or did you arrange all your hangouts, or did you take turns? Maybe he is waiting for you to take your turn here!!

Essie!! I see a pattern!! You are so frustrated because you want H to initiate H&Essie hangouts. I think it is time for you to try something different and ask him to spend time with you. When was the last time you tried this--with a specific plan--and what was his response?

I hope you are having a gorgeous week already, friend!! And thank you for your encouragement yesterday \:\)
love,
T