Hi roist, I'm glad to hear the trip went well and that you are feeling more grounded. How did the gift and card go over with W?
Good on you for standing for your marriage for as long as you have. I know it's not always easy, but it's certainly admirable. Maybe one day W will truly appreciate you being there for her when she was down.
You mentioned wondering if your wife will ever reconnect. I know you still live and do things together. Do you pay attention to her desires and do things for her? What things does she enjoy? What is her primary LL? Often times the best way to receive is to give.
On the flip side, do you ever ask her for stuff? When my wife does things for me that I asked for it always helps me to feel connected. Sometimes she even surprises me! Don’t be shy, take charge and take notes.
Look for the small things you both do for each other, appreciate them, and then build on it.
You have a say in rebuilding this connection you seek.
Our wives are not out the door, so our approach needs to be a bit different than most here.
Don’t be afraid to try something new.
M: A really long time. Crisis: 5 years. She's still worth it.
Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. -Viktor Frankl
