Dear Amy: I’ve been married for about five years. About a year ago, my wife started working long hours overnight, so we sleep in the same bed, at the most, twice a week. At first I didn’t mind, but I really started to miss her. I told her how I was feeling and that I wanted her to work “normal” hours, so we could be together more often.
We always had our two days off together, but for the past few months she has been going into work on those days, as well. Sometimes two weeks will go by without us having so much as one day together.
About a month ago, I realized that I didn’t miss my wife anymore.
In fact, when she went to work a few hours ago, I was completely surprised when she kissed me on the cheek because I’m not even used to having contact with her.
I have talked to her about this. I even thought she was cheating on me because she is good friends with one of her male co-workers.
She said that she wasn’t cheating, and I believe her. She also said that she’s only working so much so that we can have more money. We’re not exactly in the best financial situation, but we have it a lot better than most people our age. I would gladly stay in and eat macaroni and cheese with her than not have her with me at all.
We have a son together, and I can’t imagine not seeing him every day, or having another guy eventually be his other dad. Sometimes I think that my son might be all that’s keeping me around.
– Depressed Dad
Dear Dad: Your wife needs to make a commitment to put you, your partnership and your family first – just as you should. If you are strapped financially, then you should be willing to look for and get a better-paying job so that your wife can cut back.
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