u/CleopatraL

I grew up watching, heard stories of and met women who slowly disappeared inside their marriage. I remember hearing quiet conversations about feeling unwanted, unseen, untouched long before old age should’ve made love feel distant. I thought, “That could never be me.”

There’s something deeply lonely about always being expected to give intimacy, emotional access, softness, understanding , empathy, patience — even when you’re tired or disconnected — but the moment you ask for the same in return, suddenly desire becomes optional.