I don't think we overlapped here much in the but I can identify with your situation in many, many ways. I think the stress is causing your W to respond in one way, and you in another. The 2x4s I got were when others here pointed out how weak and needy I sounded. I didn't MEAN to be that way, but the stress and chaos in my life sent me down that path. You could say my W is sort of brash also, and takes the lead when she can. I also put to much stock in ML, seeing it as the best way to really connect with my W (read reassurance) and she started seeing it as an obligation. Don't know if any of that hits home. I had to lessen the stress quite a bit to rediscover the old me. And even them it took time and, honestly, some help. You need to figure out some really creative ways to lessen teh stress on the two of you. Sometimes that just means paying a sitter, for no reason other than to do normal shopping or just sit in a shop, drinking coffee, surfing the web, and NOT talking at all. Just being together. I read alot also.....you mention being a nice guy. Well from one to another...I think in times like these our Ws need quiet strength most of all.
