First an apology, man here (boo hiss), but I wanted a woman's point of view.
My wife and I have been married for quite a few years now and things have usually been very good between us. She's always been the centre of my world. I'm not the kind of man to make plans with mates etc. without checking that she doesn't mind. Infact I don't tend to do anything without running it past her first.
A few years ago we had DC1 after many years of "on again, off again" trying. The birth was rather traumatic and the first year was a nightmare. It tested us as people but our marriage stayed strong.
Well a couple of months ago my wife gave birth to DC2. This was a more straightforward pregnancy, by no means by the book perfect, and a far less traumatic birth. The first few weeks were brilliant, we seemed to be more in love and happier than we ever had been. In recent weeks though it is like someone has flicked a switch and turned our marriage to a steaming brown nappy filling.
If we cuddle, I have to instigate it. If we kiss, it's because I instigate. If she tells me she loves me, it's only a reply to me saying it first. I stopped trying to have a conversation outside of the usual inane "How are you? How have the kids been today?" As these are generally responded to with as few words as possible.
It's got to the point where last night I found myself wondering if the only reason she keeps me around is because my wages pay the mortgage, all of the household bills..... well you get the idea.
Now I'm not wanting to be permanently attached at the groin but I would really like it if once in a while she just came up to when I'm doing something and give me a hug or a kiss, the way that I do to her. When she went out this afternoon she didn't even say bye, let alone "Love you".
Am I being unreasonable or paranoid. Someone tell me that it's all going to be fine as I love both of my children very much and don't want to be reduced to weekend visits and child support payments.
Thanks