One thing that I have realized trying to have a (serious) conversation with my add wife is, it's basically impossible...Never in my life have I been involved in so many wasted words, and conversation attempts...Based on six years of reading posts here, so many of you understand this...A person who does not want to hear you, want! When a person's life isn't a responsible one, they know it....Typical behavior for adult irresponsibility is denial, blame, anger, defensiveness, bullying or running away...But many of us who feel like we are drowning in the chaos and dysfunction can't help but try to point it out....Our voice is our only way to bring attention to the pain of being disrespected and used....And when it isn't heard, we struggle in our minds how to make this person understand what they or either blind to, or just don't care....So many self absorbed, hyper focus type minds, have no room, or ability, to consider their spouses needs for what they vowed to be in their lives...Hyper focus lust for excitement really has nothing to do w/ mature lasting love....
So we start pursuing ways to live with a person, who isn't capable (or just refuses) of self awareness and the work that a marriage relationship takes...Even though we all face very similar behaviors, there is still difference's in each of our relationships....Some of you may be able to calmly communicate, your spouse's and you, may both be self aware and take ownership...That's not the case with us...Of course it's been much better the past few years...But I feel for each of you, who like myself, has come to realize all the wasted words (unheard, and unwanted) that goes on between us...
We had a good conversation a few days ago....The simple reality is I've loved her, I attempt to do the responsible things as a husband, I have never in 12 + years pushed her away...She has shown me that she doesn't love me based her life style and her priorities....(She didn't deny this in conversation) It's very difficult to accept....I reached this acceptance of her reality several years ago, (so I could place boundaries to limit conflict) all but this one thing.....The hardest thing for me has been accepting that my wife's primary reason for being with me is for what it benefits herself, and for the fact I make her life easier.....That's why she has no convictions to honor her vows and be that loving spouse....We have sex, but, in 12 years she has never been available (that I remember) when I approached her...Unless it was planned....Any other time she has to control it, so she puts me off until the next day or some day in the future....I've lived with it, but, I've decided...It's not OK!...
In a text message (which lead to the conversation) I told her she needs to move out, and she should get counseling for her gaming addiction....Our whole marriage most of our arguments have started when I've pointed out her selfish (self absorbed) and abandoning life style...It's actually been very freeing admitting to myself that my wife doesn't love me....I have felt total relief the past few days....
I love her, and pray for her...But, for her to not return my love willingly, be available, do the work in the marriage, prioritize her husband (us, two being one) is not OK to me any longer... I can't force it, and it wouldn't be real if I could...I want her, and myself, to be in situations we think is healthy and right for each of us...I want her to find contentment....I want contentment...Neither of us have contentment in this one-sided marriage...I'm wise enough to know, a person most always pursue's what they love....
c
I am so sorry, c
Submitted by 1Melody1 on
In reading your posts over recent years, there is no question you tried. So hard. I am happy to hear you've found relief. I have too since recently splitting with my husband officially.
I am sorry to hear that despite exhaustive efforts, you find yourself here. I believe my husband was "happy" in our marriage only because it was easy and benefited him (as you mentioned). I could have been anyone at all. Realizing that is hard.
I am happy to hear you feel free though. Who knows what the future holds for you now? Not more of the same, and I think that is a good thing.
Thinking of you today as you navigate this new chapter in your life.
C, you did everything you could
Submitted by sickandtired on
I’m so sorry your marriage is ending C. I have read your comments these past few years and I’ve always marveled how patient and kind you have always been to your wife. You are doing a healthy thing by setting her free. I hope you feel a huge relief by not having to be tied to someone who is not capable of loving anyone but herself. I’ve always felt like your vows before God have been the only thing holding you in this marriage. I’m glad you came to the realization that God doesn’t want you to be a martyr, and that you deserve peace and happiness. I hope you meet someone new, someone kind that you can communicate with, like your first wife. Good luck working through this breakup, and please keep in touch on this site. I’ve always admired your insights while staying in a bad marriage, and I’m hoping you will share your insights on breaking away from a one sided adhd relationship. Wishing you peace.
Thank you sickandtired
Submitted by c ur self on
We'll see...People who refuse responsibility in area's of their life, usually aren't sorry until it comes time to pay the piper...(You've seen the desperate posts just like I have...How do I change her mind??? Rarely, if ever; can you help me to change?)....Setting her free? It's like trying to get an adult child to move out (leave their safe, easy place) and take on adult responsibilities...A person like my wife, want's their cake, and eat it too....:)...They want to bath themselves in a life style that comes from a self centered view of life....If it's entertaining, fun and a personal desire for me, I'm in...If it's work involved, or boring for me, (not all about me) I'm out...
But the peace I have is because I've done all I know to do as a human to make this marriage a good one....And I've endured the suffering of abandonment, intrusiveness, disrespect and unconcern for quiet a while now....I don't regret my efforts to be patient and long suffering with her (us), to see this life through with her...But, because after 12+ years she still lives a life style that say's "I hate wife responsibilities, my time and energy will ONLY be devoted to what I consider entertaining and fun for me, no matter the cost....So, I have freed myself to believe and accept what she is showing me....
I'm not proud of some of the things I've said or done in this relationship...But, in hind site my negative emotions have been built around attempting to force her (by pointing out) to CARE....Which is a fools errand, hearts are only changed one way....
Bless You!
c
"I'm not proud of some of the
Submitted by MATTHD on
"I'm not proud of some of the things I've said or done in this relationship...But, in hind site my negative emotions have been built around attempting to force her (by pointing out) to CARE....Which is a fools errand, hearts are only changed one way...."
this is exactly where i'm at, and im now getting a divorce. I turned into a monster because i simply wanted her to see my pain and acknowledge it.
Happy for you Melody
Submitted by c ur self on
You've shared things with us, that has been heart breaking for me...I'm glad your at peace about it all..
To end a marriage is a huge thing, (and should be) to me...Just because of what my Creator and Savior spoke concerning marriage...But, so many of us know that our marriage's never were marriages...The work of the relationship either never started for one or both...Or, one or both quit long ago...So the final break (moving on) wasn't the end of the relationship...The relationship had been dead.....The freedom I feel is based around this fact...Our marriage has never been right for her...Based on her words and life style, it's just always been a hindrance to her desires for herself in this life...The peace killer for me was not letting go of my misguided hope...I know God can change people...But just as he doesn't save us against our will, neither does he change us against our will....
Thank you for your sweet reply, and I pray many blessings on you as you navigate your way in life...<3
Oh, C
Submitted by Brindle on
I'm sad to read this, but I understand how you've come to the place you are. You've tried so hard. And I'm sure you can lay your head on your pillow at night with a clear conscience about it.
How has she responded? Is she taking you seriously, making arrangements to go?
How are you doing with this on your end? Is there any unexpected grief or anger?
Many warm thoughts to you.
Hi Brindle
Submitted by c ur self on
Thank you for your kind words....It's about what I thought it would be....After a few days of quiet, she just started acting like I had said nothing...(Which I expected, when you've got it made, easy life, responsible husband that loves you, why recognize that he asked you to leave)
I'm fine as I can be I guess, no anger, no grief.....I guess I've suffered all that for so long (being emotional, wishing and hoping against reality) that I've finally found peace with what is....I think she realizes it's over, she just doesn't want to face it...She said something last night about her wedding rings..."She said if we divorce I"m keeping my rings" Ha Ha...I said of course you are, I gave them to you...
I just want a peaceful life...I want that for her also....When a spouse can't share, when they have no convictions or hunger to nurture their relationship, when there is little to no ability to consider the needs of their spouse...We better accept that reality!..OR, we just end up with a lot of pain in our rear view life mirror....Sadly like I have, and many of us have....
I haven't depended on her for years (really never) when it comes to all the simple things a wife usually owns, and see's as her responsibility as a wife...(except sex, I've mentioned that every few days for 12 plus years ;)
She makes decisions for her life, her entertainment, her wants, just like she was single...(And justifies it, thinks she fine) When your married to a mind in denial (refuses to own, or, is blind to the effects her life has on her spouse and others) you do your self a big favor by never trying to point out the dysfunction it that thinking......It's all self inflicted suffering when you do...It took me all these years to give up trying....Not so smart this guy c ur self..:)....
I see her in every part of life as just a friend now....I want be investing or thinking of us any different than she has shown me she is capable of any longer... She can go when ever she wants (I want to protect her relationship with her step daughters, and grand children, I want the least amount of change for all our family)...If she don't eventually leave, I will do what I have to...By God's Grace, I'm done w/ the being angry, there isn't much she could do are say that would surprise me....Except become humble and self aware, and take ownership of her vows...Show she cares!....That would probable cause me to faint dead away...LOL....
Bless you friend...
c