Not Treating In Kind

My wife and I are likely entering a new phase in our lives. For the time being, another one of her responsibilities has been delegated to hired help, at great expense, which should, in theory, give her more time and energy.

Of course I'm NOT talking about lovemaking. Being a good husband, I have not seriously considered having someone else fulfill her responsibility in that regard.

We've had sex exactly twice in the last five weeks, unenthusiastic on her part, and clearly what she considers an act of mercy for me.

She still wants to cuddle, which we do in the family room, after the kids are in bed for the night.

I know that, like many women, she wants to cuddle without it leading to sex, because you know, why would you want to have sex with your husband? So that's what I do. It does not lead to sex at any other time or any other benefit beyond the cuddling itself.

When I'm feeling rejected/neglected sexually, I'm less inclined to otherwise be physically affectionate with her. I keep hugs and kisses to a minimum frequency and duration, because I feel emotionally distant from her.

I suppose the experts would tell me I should be doing the opposite - I should be being more affectionate, because 1) it will help and 2) I should take what I can get. I struggle for a good analogy, but to me, it's like someone has told you they don't like you (sexual rejection) so why would you make an effort to talk with that person more? I don't want to be an annoyance or burden on anyone. To me, when it comes to spouses, physical affection is all part of the same package, a continuum, and if you don't want to travel that part of the circle, we shouldn't be traveling on the circle at all. If you're going to tell me I'm not good enough to be served my dinner in your restaurant, I'm not going to order drinks in your bar. If you don't give a crap about what my needs are, knowing I have them, why should I give a crap about what you want?

She texted me while I was working and asked if we could cuddle tonight. Now, if I treated her like she treats me, my response could be:

1) Telling her we should wait for tomorrow night or another night, and then orchestrating events so it won't happen that night.

2) Telling her "I don't feel like it."

3) Telling her she did X wrong and so I'm not going to.

4) Agree, but make sure my body language and participation are as cold/distant/motionless as possible.


But how did I react?

I quickly and simply agreed.

This is going to eat into my sleep time, which is already too short.

These days, I feel like I have a beautiful friend living with me as a roommate, but one whose bills I'm paying and whose bills I'll be obligated to pay for rest of my life no matter how she behaves and even if she kicks me out of my own home.

Romantic, eh?