Help me with my wife!
I spent the last 2 1/2 years on a work project, 10+ hours a day, 6+ days a week, with no days off but Sundays. I am the sole provider for our entire livelihood, and I put my work first & foremost, above all else, especially all my wife's needs.
The individual I worked for was a total narcissist, and a complete sociopath (the very definitions), and I went from the most positive and cheerful person, to struggling just to heal every day. I was very little fun to be around, no use to her before work because I was getting ready, no use to her after work because I was physically and mentally and emotionally exhausted from his brutality, and my day off was me trying to recover and rejuvenate first, and quality time with her second.
She became so unhappy. She felt completely alone. She was managing all the household, cleaning, and chores alone. None of her needs were being met, not physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. When she told me she can't do it anymore, I woke up. I opened my eyes to see what I had done, who I had become, and how I was treating her (or rather wasn't). I immediately quit my job, and focusing entirely on her (with the exception of trying to find more work).
I am putting her first & foremost again, and now I am committed to rebuilding, but she has been sooo unhappy for sooo long. She has huge resentment in her heart, she is overly critical of everything I say and do, she is uber-sensitive to the slightest bit of adversity, she is extremely defensive about everything, she is confrontational, skeptical, cynical, pessimistic, and negative (and can you blame her), and she has given up on trying to tell me what she needs because she has been doing so for the past 2 1/2 years, and it went in one ear and out the other, so there is very little sharing of her feeling, emotions, wants or desires now. She reacts to everything with sarcastic remarks and curt comments, which is how I know she's still harboring all the aforementioned issues.
I NEED HELP! I need real-world, practical advice on specific steps I can take to bring back her joy in our relationship, her trust in me, her calm and her peace of mind in general, her optimism and positivity. How do I overcome her resentment? How do I gain her trust again? How can I satisfy her needs if I'm not sure what to do? How can I not make her feel so defensive? How can I stop her constant criticism? How can I make her happy again?
(...side note) We have been married for 16 years. Our love is so much stronger than this, we both agree. We are still completely in love with each other. She is not thinking about leaving me, or wanting a divorce in any way, shape, or form. She just misses me and wants her husband, partner, and lover back. We have a beautiful life together, and a beautiful home. She has an amazing side business that fulfills her completely. She's an artist, a medium, a reiki master, and a spiritual healer. Thank god for that because it is what has kept her occupied while I had my priorities all wrong!
@betrue21self good pic
...it's been 3 days now, and no one has any advice? It took everything I had just to put all this out there to strangers and I'm desperate! All advice, opinions, and comers are welcome (please?)
@betrue21self
The navigation here is confusing. there are plenty of answers. Lol. You just need to click somewhere to see them.
There are responses! You should be able to click through them. If you’re not seeing them PM me and I’ll help you find them
@betrue21self
If all else fails, be sure to try couples therapy. Don't give up.
@betrue21self
I had to click on "Back to beginning of conversation" to see the replies.
@belami2024
Right, which is completely silly to see the following posts. Also, the direct responses are hidden behind the plus mark. I was away from the forum for a few months and now I have to relearn how to use it. The web designers want to exercise our minds. So, it's all good. 😉
@betrue21self
I understand your concerns and willingness to rebuild your relationship. Here's practical advice to help you overcome resentment, regain trust, and bring joy back to your partnership:
Immediate Actions:
Acknowledge and validate her feelings: Show empathy and understanding for her emotions, even if you don't agree.
Listen actively: When she shares, maintain eye contact, and focus on her words.
Apologize sincerely: Express remorse for neglecting her needs and hurting her.
Prioritize quality time: Schedule regular, dedicated time together.
Rebuilding Trust:
Follow through on commitments: Be reliable and consistent.
Communicate openly: Share thoughts, feelings, and plans.
Show appreciation: Express gratitude for her and her contributions.
Support her passions: Encourage her art, mediumship, Reiki, and healing work.
Addressing Resentment:
Identify triggers: Recognize situations causing defensiveness and criticism.
Address underlying issues: Discuss unresolved problems and work towards resolution.
Foster emotional safety: Create a supportive environment for open sharing.
Practice empathy and understanding: See things from her perspective.
Rekindling Joy and Positivity:
Plan surprise gestures: Small acts of kindness and affection.
Schedule date nights: Regularly spend quality time together.
Encourage shared activities: Engage in hobbies and interests together.
Cultivate gratitude: Share three things you appreciate about each other daily.
Overcoming Criticism and Defensiveness:
Avoid taking it personally: Focus on the issue, not the person.
Use "I" statements: Express feelings without blame.
Practice active listening: Clarify understanding before responding.
Seek common ground: Find mutually beneficial solutions.
Remember:*
Rebuilding takes time and effort.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Your love and commitment are strong foundations.
Stay committed, patient, and empathetic. Your willingness to grow and improve will help revitalize your relationship.