Anonymous wrote:OP...does the thought of finding something on the side ever crosses your mind?
Anonymous wrote:I tried once a year or two ago, when I first felt an inkling of this. It's different now, though... I feel a complete sense of relief when he leaves for a trip. I don't have to worry about fixing a meal he won't like, or him asking me for sex (and I like sex - but he doesn't really touch me otherwise, and that hurts and is just overall numbing).
We've done counseling in the past. He just doesn't take responsibility. If he tells me anything that he needs me to do to improve our marriage, I literally stop everything and fix it. And I do my damndest to make sure it doesn't happen again. I've told him about this, touching me, being engaged with me and the kids. He just doesn't try. And I really think he thinks everything is ok. He feels like I won't let go - but he never tries to fix the problems. Or it doesn't feel that way at least. And I try not to bring it up constantly. But we probably have this conversation 3-4 times a year about big issues impacting our marriage. The last one that really blew up was about a year ago now.
Anonymous wrote:After about 8 years of marriage, and really struggling with this early on, I'm now finding that I am looking forward to DH's business trips. When he is gone, and I can just have the house to myself with my 2 kids.
He was gone most of the weekend last weekend, and I had the best time with the kids. Movie night, apple picking, picnic, playing. No rushing, no agendas. Honestly, it was the most fun I can remember with them. And this is after spending 2 weeks at the beach with the entire family late this summer.
I would have absolutely dreaded that if he were here. He is constantly rushing through things with the kids. My youngest laid on the picnic blanket, rolled in the grass... it was a delight. He would have been hurrying her through eating, trying to "keep things moving along."
That's just the beginning of it.
And now, I'm starting to wonder, is this a phase? Or the beginning of the end? He's going away for a night on Thursday night, and I'm already thinking about the fun dinner we can have.
Anonymous wrote:I feel the same way (married 10 years and DH travels quite a lot). But, he also feels the same way when I'm away (I travel for work a bit, too). We have a very good relationship, so it's not a sign of trouble.
This is what I think it is - with 2 'bosses' it's much harder to go with the flow and be really in tune with the kids' moods/levels of tiredness. One of you might think it would be great to order pizza, the other might remember that your kids have been eating terribly lately and it's time for something healthy. The roles could switch. But with just one boss, it's so much easier. The kids end up more relaxed, too.
So, don't feel guilty about it. Just be glad that you have those nice times with your kids. And maybe think about if your DH can experience that nice time alone with them, too (why not go away for a weekend?)!