72-year-old remains in unhappy 45-year marriage for the sake of adult children
A 72-year-old father of five describes a distant, critical spouse and says he remains in their 45-year marriage to avoid harming their adult children, despite feeling unheard and dismissed.
Dear Eric: I am 72 and a father of five. Over time, my relationship with my wife has become very difficult. She is loudly critical, demanding and nagging, holding back all kinds of affection.
Meaningful conversations between my wife and me are thwarted by her unwillingness to engage in rational discussions. Whenever I attempt to convey my perspective, I am met with dismissal. I frequently feel unheard, and unresolved issues linger like shadows over our interactions.