Forum Biechthoekje

Losing each other?

4 replies

AnnaGuest ·
Hi, this is going to be quite a story I'm afraid ;-).
My husband and I have been together for 12 years and have a lovely little boy of 3. We had quite a bit of adjusting to do to being parents; suddenly you can't just do and leave whatever you want, and that took time and also caused quite a lot of arguments and irritations between us. In between, we bought an old house, demolished it, and rebuilt it mostly ourselves. My husband did this alongside his full-time job, and of course, family life just carried on. We worked incredibly hard, and after a year, we moved into our new house, but the expected relaxation and release never came. We had expected that once we were in our own home, we'd finally be in the right place, and it is our home, but somehow we can't enjoy it as much as we used to, sitting on the couch together, having time for each other, like old times. The hustle and bustle has taken a toll on my husband; he's very irritable, and even now, a year after the renovation, he's never been the same. It's also like we've lost each other; watching a movie together or going to bed early, there's hardly any action anymore. I've had a few conversations where I said things aren't going well and need to change, and we agree, but it just fizzles along. Our son is in the testing phase at his age, and especially with dad, he really gets under his skin. Somehow, my husband also can't really handle it with detours or in a good way without always getting into arguments; sometimes I feel like fatherhood is attacking him. He says he's very happy with our son, and we had the wish for a second child, but somewhere I feel like I shouldn't do it because I want it more than he does (in my feeling). We try to go out for days together regularly, but even then, it's just not there, which makes me anxious and sad because I just think, are we losing each other? My husband goes to see family more often alone; I give him that space hoping things will get better, but I also notice that with how things are going now, I actually prefer being alone with my son rather than together where it doesn't feel like it used to. I just don't know what to do. We've talked several times, and he certainly doesn't want to lose us, but I don't feel it. Then I wonder if he's just oversensitive, and I confront him with that, which he brushes off. What should I do? We've already had conversations, even very clear ones that things will blow up if we continue like this, but I just don't see it anymore. Is there anyone who has also felt like they lost their partner sometimes, and how did things get better again?

Replies

  1. Vera #2

    Hey Anoniempje,
    That’s really tough! Yeah, I get it. Well, not exactly in this way, but I know that my husband had a phase where he wasn’t feeling comfortable in his own skin. And the other way around too... I’ve also been feeling not so great in my own skin.
    On the one hand, talking helps. And on the other hand... once you both know things aren’t going so well right now, maybe you shouldn’t try to talk it all to death. Instead, do something. Create moments that can bring enjoyment, but don’t expect the enjoyment to be as immediate or intense as it used to be. Go do an activity where you know your son can enjoy himself and your husband will enjoy it too. Or where you enjoy it... that’s not relevant right now. You surely enjoy it when they both have a good time!
    And do plan that evening couch-film-night, but don’t expect the world. Enjoy it if you give each other one real, sincere kiss that evening. Or a little hug. But don’t set the bar too high. After a few times, if all goes well, you’ll take steps forward again.
    That’s how you can build it up slowly. I’ve learned that my expectations shouldn’t be sky-high then. And vice versa... if my husband expects me to be happy right away when he plans a fun outing... I can’t manage that either. I do appreciate it, but I need a bit more time then.
    We’ve been together for 18 years now and still happy. Space... understanding... And being able to honestly say what we think and feel to each other.
    See if you can use this... give each other time.... and if you still feel the same after a few months, then think carefully about what you want with your relationship. What can you do together about it, what do you want to do about it? Be honest... with yourself and your husband. After so many years, you both deserve that.
    Lots of patience, stay honest, look at your husband and think about what you like about him each time. And hopefully ..... Enjoy each other again!!
  2. Anonymous Guest #3

    Thank you for your lovely reply, what you say is true. I think, when we're away for a day, why doesn't it just stand out? As if it's simply not there anymore. And that makes me anxious because just the idea of moving on without him makes me so sad. It's like we're together but also not. I do my best to make an effort, but nothing comes back at the moment; it's always "I'm tired" or "I don't feel like it." And then I get outspoken. He used to be so active, but it's as if all his energy has been sucked away. Now he's suddenly starting to look for another job, even though his job has always been his life. He's restless, and that makes me scared again. Tough situations, and I hope we'll get through them. We had decided to try for a second child soon, but now I'm wondering if that will bring us closer together or not.
  3. Vera #4

    Sounds maybe a bit silly... but do you really want a second child? And do you want that even if you end up doing it all on your own? If the answer is yes... then just do it.

    Having only one child isn't a solution to the problem. For that, you'll need to invest in each other in a calm, relaxed way. And maybe right now, focus on him first... without expectations. Give him the space to get used to how nice it can be together. Those expectations of yours, and the resulting disappointment, are putting a lot of pressure on him right now. And then things feel forced. And so it doesn't work. That kills all spontaneity.

    So build up slowly... give it a chance... give him time... and in the meantime, you can enjoy your little boy... enjoy the small moments that are nice... and enjoy the process... your patience and trust in him... Trust that your love is enough. After all, he doesn't want to lose you either.

    And that new job... let him go ahead and search for it. Support him. Ask what he's looking for... show interest in understanding him. And especially don't push or ask too many questions like "how's it going with the job search?" It's his search and process, and you listen and support. That will surely give him the confidence to make the right choice on his own.

    I wish you a lovely New Year's Eve. And on to 2019 with full trust!
    Hopefully, you'll leave another message in a while to let us know how things are going.
  4. Vera #5

    I'm curious how you're doing.

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