I was here, and I remember you giving the book to your wife. Man that was a really cramped closet I was hiding in ;-)
Maybe you need to encourage her to read it again.
In the past year, we have seen a lot of stormy weather, BUT, the ship is now very sturdy and can handle a bit of rough weather now and again. I think I would rate our relationship a solid 9. I am sure that I could improve in many ways, the same with her. We are doing very well though.
Example. We worked through some issues this morning, mostly life stress type of stuff (normal stuff) that has been keeping us both a bit at odds. So we decided to spend this evening together. Our plan is to make love, watch the last Matrix on the big screen in the movie room - no clothes allowed tonight, then make love again and off to sleep. Now this may not all work out as planned, but the thing is, it IS the plan. There is no sabotage, no hidden agenda, and she certainly does NOT have a secret plan to cut the evening short. This plan was her idea. Regardless of how the evening really progresses, the intent was sincere. Even if we don't get to do everything we wanted to, we will still do a good bit of it.
My wife and I have a lot on our respective plates. We own a business and are just finishing construction on a second one. We don't have little ones at home any longer, but there is still family stuff to deal with. We are proof that you can be extremely busy, correct your relationship, have time for each other and still meet all the external demands.
A year ago (less really), I was ready to end our relationship. Action (willingness to change) is necessary by both parties to effect repairs on a broken relationship. Since I am ranting away, here is some simple advice from my point of view.
If you are a spouse that talks too much, shut up and learn to listen.
If you are withholding affection in your relationship, stop it right now and start giving.
If you are a spouse that refuses to share your feelings, start talking about how you feel right now, and be honest.
All the best, -NOPkins-
I will ferret out an affair at any opportunity.
-An affair is the embodiment of entitlement, fueled by resentment and lack of respect. -An infidel will remain unreachable so long as their sense of entitlement exceeds their ability to reason.
