I think she wants you to fight for her. She's nose-tweaking, with is either flat-out DISRESPECT, for which you need to call her on it, or it's a cry for help and you need to fight for her.
Would you have tolerated this from her the first month you were married? Why should now be any different?
I think it's important to remember that for women, RESPECT is tied VERY closely with LOVE. It's almost impossible for a woman to feel lovingly toward a man when she begins to lose respect for him.
Something to think about.
She is most definitely NOT the woman you've known for 22 years. She is THIS woman, in THIS state, and should be dealt with accordingly.
I've spoken my peace, and I feel like I'm lecturing you now, which is really NOT my intent. I know it SUCKS SWAMPWATER to be be where you are, because I HAVE BEEN where you are. It's absolutely the most painful, UNFAIR thing you've probably ever had to deal with.
