I can kind of relate...but my husband works from home, so he's physically in the house, but in his office a lot working. Our son is 20 and is gone just about all the time - so I have been feeling alone a lot lately too. When he's working it's almost impossible to have any sort of conversation...he's so focused on what he's doing that I could ask him something and not get an answer for like 15 minutes.
I've been trying to find things to do that I enjoy - so I can at least be doing something, even if I'm alone... I guess that's my idea for you too. :-)

My husband has always been home by 3pm. I have to get everything done before he is home. On top of it, he is retiring early. He is driving me crazy just being home on holidays. I love him, but he is a pain to have around all the time.

Find some activities for yourself. He sounds like a work-a-holic. And empty nest syndrome is not helped much by a husband. I cried for a month when my daughter, my fourth child left home. Well, he did hold me and say, "There, there!" a bit.

I went back to school and I am almost finished a Master's degree. I play flute and ride bike. I know it is not the same as human love, but I keep busy and out of trouble. I don't think you will change him, but maybe venting helped??

(((Hugs)))

I can understand your frustration. After I quit driving the bus for San Francisco Transit, my husband was still driving and between the hours driving and commuting, he would put in a 14-16 hour day. He would be gone when I got up and not get home until 7 or 8. He still believes that is what ended our marriage, not the fact that he treated me like, well, he said to me once, you will never amount to anything. And proceeded to tell me all the wonderful things about himself. Some things just don't change honey. Maybe your case will be different, I hope so. What matters the most is the quality of time you spend together, and how well he treats you. Some men are just like that, they are workaholics, they can't help themselves. Hugs to you.

I am so dependent on my husband that I would be lost if he wasn't around almost all the time that he isn't at work. So I admire your ability to be more independent than I am. Still I'm sure it doesn't help the lonliness and empty-nest feelings. Do you have other friends you can spend more time with? Maybe you can explore some kind of hobby or join a group or take a class. Anything to take your mind off of those lonely feelings.

There have been times where my husband has worked late a lot but it has a lot to do with the type of job he has and I know because I have worked with him at one point. But yeah his job has been his first priority but it has mostly been to provide for his family so I can't really complain about this much at all :-)

I say this kindly, and not to trump your distress, but mine is home 2 to 3 times a month. I know all about being married and feeling single.
Peace to us all that miss our significant others!

I can relate. My boyfriend is in the navy so he is away a lot but I find ways to keep both of us sane! It is beyond difficult at the same time! Once you get into the groove of doing things by yourself or alone it's not so bad.. It makes the welcome back that much sweeter!

Is he a true workaholic or just a typical man? Big difference. I was married to workaholic, the respectable addiction. Horrible. I could write a book. Anyway, it cost my kids, as they essentially had no Dad and I never had a husband. It was lie having an invisible spouse and father, never around. Even for things we would give him weeks notice for.
I recall having him go to our first child's play school recital and he said "Don't you dare waste my time like that ever again" i cried.
He to,d his new woman he'd go to one thing a year so she should pick it carefully! Only and I mean only thing they can say at his funeral is this man sure could work. He has no interests, no friends no social life nothing but the admiration of his stuff and himself. It is a direct result of his childhood which he refuses to address what he does as severe workaholism. Get your own life and let him do his own thing, that's how you get along with them, expect nothing for time and attention.

Pauline, Wow, I can honestly say my hubby isnt that bad! That's awful! But, he is a true workaholic in every sense of the word. My kids,to, had to be raised without a dad, he was always at work! While I admire hard working people, there is a fine line somewhere. Im just tired of being single married, if that makes sense?
Your ex's new woman may think she got a catch, but she really just inherited someone else's misery. God Bless, Nancy

Pauline, P.S. what you describe is exactly like my friends husband, & I mean exactly! I have always felt bad for her. Not only that, but he very greedy & selfish with money..These men will have to answer to God when they die..