Hi Andy - came to check out your new thread. I like how you've got the two stories illustrated. And it certainly sounds like you've got your head around what happened and what needs to happen..although I know that changes often and is not an easy or short (!) road.
Laurin...something you said stuck out to me:
I think this is because of something Dr. J Dobson pointed out (Focus on the Family)- marriages often fail for lack of respect of one partner for the other.
This lack of respect turns communication off. Neither partner can clearly state their needs, nor can either partner hear clearly the needs of the other. Eventually, both will complain that the other takes them for granted. Behaviours that were once accepted become annoying. Excuses for withdrawing from the other become more easy to find. Emotional needs left unmet push both to look elsewhere.
Respect is something that my husband has mentioned repeatedly..doesn't and hasn't felt that I've shown him respect.
I'm trying to do this now, but am finding it increasingly more difficult as he seems to be pulling away more and more. He seems to be angry with me or maybe irritated is a better word.
