We have been married for 4+ years; we have one child together and three stepchildren between us. For the most part we get along, however, our relationship is very surface level… almost like roommates. He is a very hard worker in order to support his family… putting in an average of 60+ hours a week. His hours at work are usually 9am until 9pm or later making family time nearly impossible. Weekends are packed with all the things that he is not able to do during the week due to his work schedule: golfing is a huge pastime, fishing, work on his truck… the other spare minutes are spent drinking beer or sleeping. His relationship with the kids consists of telling them what to do or goodnight.
I also work a fulltime position that may not be as strenuous as his, however, is still very challenging. I am also the main partner in charge of the house – cleaning, maintaining, groceries, cooking, taxi for the kids, paying all the bills, maintaining a budget and financial planning. I attend all school related functions for our children by myself. Most weekends I am alone with the kids while he is in his own world.
For some time now I have tried to open a line of communication like we once had. Wanting to talk with him about plans, the kids, my feelings etc. Wanting to spend quality time with him talking and sharing – yes it sounds corny but isn’t he supposed to be my best friend?
His brother also lives with us and has for two years now- another huge strain on our relationship. The brother does not work nor does he contribute in anyway to the family – financially or physically. I am at wits end and have been promised for a year now that this would be rectified. He is still there and nothing has ever been discussed with him.
Recently my spouse and I were in an argument about all of the above and his response to me was – why can’t we be married and me just not communicate with you? I explained that marriage doesn’t work that way and he states its just because its not ‘my way’.
I am so frustrated because I do love this man, so do my children. But at the same time I hate feeling so alone in a relationship… what do I do???
2006-10-12
04:34:06
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10 answers
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asked by
Anonymous
in
Marriage & Divorce