Greetings!
I am a heart exploration coach, and learning is the most valuable asset of the human body.
From your description, it is evident that you are experiencing a range of intense emotions, including inner turmoil, worry, anxiety, pain, and a sense of being adrift.
I will refrain from delving into the specifics of your difficulties, given that you are unable to muster a sense of affection when in the company of your wife. Instead, I will offer three pieces of advice for your consideration.
First and foremost, it is imperative to recognize that in an intimate relationship, the individual who experiences greater distress is more likely to initiate change.
Your decision to seek assistance indicates that you are experiencing a greater degree of distress and a stronger desire for change. Additionally, modifying one's own behavior can be a relatively straightforward process.
It is my hope that, prior to implementing any changes, you will be able to grasp the following two points.
It is important to recognize that while feelings of love are a significant aspect of a marriage, so too are the responsibilities and commitments inherent to the institution of marriage. Additionally, it is not uncommon for feelings of love between couples to gradually diminish over time, potentially evolving into a more affectionate bond.
In your description, you indicated that when you married your spouse, you did not feel a strong affinity for her. You further stated that you were compelled by factors such as responsibility and pressure to enter into the marriage. However, it is important to recognize that your decision to marry was also a personal choice, and as such, you bear responsibility for it.
It should be noted that this does not imply that a divorce is not an option; rather, it is essential to conduct a rational analysis of the situation.
Secondly, it is important to recognise that feelings of affection between a couple can be cultivated.
You indicated that you did not "really like" her at the time of your marriage, which suggests that you still held some degree of affection for her. It may, therefore, be beneficial to reflect on the aspects of her personality that initially elicited a positive response from you and to attempt to rekindle that sentiment.
In the three years you have been married, is there truly nothing about her that you find appealing?
It is important to note that the notion of a "perfect wife" is a fallacy, as there is no such thing as a perfect person. Therefore, it is unproductive to idealize one's spouse.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to consider whether there are any positive qualities about yourself that she appreciates. Do you demonstrate a sense of affection towards her?
It is my intention to encourage you to consider this perspective, as it will facilitate your comprehension of the fundamental truth that love and affection are mutual.
Upon grasping these two points, I initiated a sincere communication with my wife as a preliminary step towards transformation.
One might reasonably inquire as to why one should assume the burden of initiating change if the other party does not reciprocate.
It is understandable that you hold this perspective; however, it is crucial to understand that initiating change is not a means of seeking a definitive answer, but rather, it is an opportunity to explore a novel possibility for your relationship. Failure to embrace this shift may result in the perpetuation of your current circumstances, which are likely to be characterized by a lack of fulfillment and mutual satisfaction.
Secondly, it is recommended that an honest conversation with your wife be initiated.
The objective of the communication is to convey your genuine thoughts and feelings to her.
It is possible that you may assert that you have attempted to communicate with her on numerous occasions, yet your efforts have been futile, or you may feel that she is an individual with whom communication is unfeasible. At this juncture, you may wish to consider employing the following approach to communication and observe the outcome:
First, it is essential to attempt to comprehend her perspective. This will facilitate her ability to "hear" your message.
In your account, you indicated that your wife lost her temper because you were not sufficiently close to her and even struck you. I empathize with your feelings of helplessness and pain, but have you considered her perspective? You chose to marry her, yet you do not cultivate a close relationship with her. Is this not a form of rejection on your part?
It is reasonable to assume that few individuals would choose to be rejected.
Furthermore, you have indicated that you would like your wife to alter her behavior in accordance with your preferences. Have you considered the possibility that your actions and thoughts may be perceived as "coercive," which could lead to feelings of inadequacy and rejection? It is unlikely that anyone desires to be changed against their will.
It is important to note that expressing these sentiments does not imply that the wife's actions were justifiable, particularly given the use of physical violence. Instead, the objective is to facilitate a constructive dialogue between the two parties.
Secondly, it is preferable to commence with an "I" statement and focus on emotional content, as opposed to initiating with a "you" statement, which may evoke feelings of rejection and blame, thereby impeding communication.
For example, one might say, "(The name you usually call her), I would like to engage in a constructive dialogue with you. We have been married for three years. I am aware that you have endured significant challenges due to the distance between us. I take responsibility for my role in this situation and am concerned about the future of our marriage. I do not want this to continue. I do not want to interact with you in a negative manner. I hope you can understand me. I am unable to do so at this time. I value you greatly. Please consider my perspective. I also want to hear your authentic feelings."
Following such an open and honest exchange, it is probable that she will comprehend your perspective and may even divulge her genuine sentiments, including her opinions about you, her thoughts on having children, and her perception of the marital relationship. This form of communication serves to dissipate negative emotions and enhance the quality of your marriage.
It is recommended that you allow yourselves a period of time to adjust and be prepared for the possibility that your wife will not change her behaviour before making a rational decision.
Following a comprehensive exchange of views, it is possible that the other party may not alter their behaviour in accordance with your expectations. This is because nobody wishes to be compelled to change. In such circumstances, it may be helpful to allow a period of time for reflection.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that she may not undergo any significant changes.
Despite the mutual influence between partners, it is possible that she will not change, nor does she want to change, after you have changed. She may still lose her temper frequently and even strike you. At this juncture, it is necessary to accept the reality that it is challenging to identify any positive qualities in her.
Once this reality is accepted, expectations of the partner in question will cease to exist, resulting in an improved emotional state. Absence of expectations, in this context, is conducive to the absence of hurt.
When expectations of change are relinquished, the possibility of change may emerge. This may appear paradoxical, but it is a consequence of the fundamental nature of change, which is contingent upon the absence of resistance.
At this juncture, it is imperative to ascertain whether the status quo of the marriage should be maintained. It is unlikely that you will experience significant ambivalence or distress at this stage, given that you have already invested considerable time, energy, and resources into the relationship.
It is my hope that this response will prove beneficial to you. Should you wish to engage in further communication, you are invited to click on the "Find a Coach" link at the foot of this page, which will enable you to contact me directly for one-to-one discussion.
Comments
I can relate to how conflicted you must feel, torn between societal expectations and personal emotions. It's a tough place to be in. Facing such deep dissatisfaction in a marriage so soon after tying the knot, it's important to consider what truly makes you happy. Perhaps talking openly with your wife about your feelings could be a start, even if it's uncomfortable.
It seems like communication has broken down significantly in your relationship. Rebuilding that bridge might require both of you to express your needs and listen to each other without judgment. Therapy or counseling could offer a safe space for both of you to explore these issues together.
The pressure of having children can add another layer of complexity to an already strained relationship. It's crucial to decide if this is something you both want, not just something you feel pressured into. You should consider discussing this with your wife and seeing if there's common ground.
Marriage is about compromise and growth. If you're feeling that you've grown apart, it might help to rediscover shared interests or experiences that brought you together in the first place. Sometimes reigniting that spark requires effort from both partners.
Reflect on why you got married in the first place. Were there feelings of affection that have been overshadowed by recent events? If so, maybe revisiting those moments can help bring back some positive emotions. However, if the connection was never there, it's worth questioning whether this relationship can provide the fulfillment you seek.