Baby steps but still moving forward
Even though I occasionally manage to irritate my wife by being too sensitive, she is still showing signs she is committed to us. I have heard her laugh more in the last couple weeks than the past couple months combined. She occasionally reaches for my hand when we are walking. She is including me in her plans. She is trying to find a way out of the apartment lease she signed but never moving into. These are all significant to me.
With the recent passing of my grandmother with whom my wife was very close, my entire extended family has come together. We have spent a few days with my brothers' families, my parents, and my cousin's family. The time together has been truly special. My wife has come to a new realization of how important these people are to her, and she seems to be happy for the revelation.
During one of our many drives to a gathering, she mentioned renewing our vows. This came completely out of nowhere and I cannot explain how deeply that shook me. I had to turn my head so no one could see how hard I was crying. I later told her how it moved me but that I did not want to do that until the right time. She didn't ask me to explain and I didn't. We have a lot to work on and I don't think we are working on anything. It is easy to enjoy the love we have while experiencing things getting better. But what about when (not if) things aren't getting better? I know she will feel doubts again. There will be a time when she loses her attraction to me and believes that is a sign. I am certain to make her frustrated or hurt or angry, for I am flawed like anyone else.
I sent her something about a marriage building retreat for couples. We don't have the money but I think we need to make something like that happen. She never responded. I asked her about it later and she said she hadn't had time to look at it.
So things seem good, but I'm not confident in how secure the progress is.
With the recent passing of my grandmother with whom my wife was very close, my entire extended family has come together. We have spent a few days with my brothers' families, my parents, and my cousin's family. The time together has been truly special. My wife has come to a new realization of how important these people are to her, and she seems to be happy for the revelation.
During one of our many drives to a gathering, she mentioned renewing our vows. This came completely out of nowhere and I cannot explain how deeply that shook me. I had to turn my head so no one could see how hard I was crying. I later told her how it moved me but that I did not want to do that until the right time. She didn't ask me to explain and I didn't. We have a lot to work on and I don't think we are working on anything. It is easy to enjoy the love we have while experiencing things getting better. But what about when (not if) things aren't getting better? I know she will feel doubts again. There will be a time when she loses her attraction to me and believes that is a sign. I am certain to make her frustrated or hurt or angry, for I am flawed like anyone else.
I sent her something about a marriage building retreat for couples. We don't have the money but I think we need to make something like that happen. She never responded. I asked her about it later and she said she hadn't had time to look at it.
So things seem good, but I'm not confident in how secure the progress is.
Replies
I am so happy to hear that things are going well for you. You are one of the nicest men I have encountered in a while. You truly deserve this happiness with your wife.
Thank you, Broken. Coming from you those words hold a lot of weight. You too deserve great happiness and I have faith you will find it. Please share with me when it happens, as I hope you will share when times are tough. Your words have provided tremendous support to me and I selfishly hope you do not stop. I hope I can provide a shoulder to lift you when you need. You are a truly wonderful lady. I thank you for this valued friendship.