Women want to feel safe, and men want to feel strong. In the beginning it works because the woman feels protected and taken care of which in turn makes the man feel strong...
The downturn is after the initial romantic love starts to fade. The woman feels separated and starts to talk about the issues she sees (fears). This makes the man feel attacked and defensive of his ability to be a good husband / provider (shame) and he then withdraws or fights back, both of which exacerbates the woman's fears...
This could also describe the beginning and ending of an A.
Me 56 H 47 Married 21 years No children Bomb & moved out 4/07 "My feelings have changed" & "I want to live by myself". Ow Bomb 8/07 H filed 6/08 D final 2/05/10
