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Because we were all super young once, Trini. We are all human and we make mistakes. It infuriates me to know of your story, LisaDiane and others. How is it possible that the good women find the terrible men?

don’t know. Don’t think I’ll ever know.


want to fix it anyway. Gonna do whatever I can to make sure my daughter finds a proper, good and masculine man and my son finds a sweet feminine woman.

in the meantime, I’ll just keep stirring up sh1t here.
Try raising a son who is copying the bad habits of his father and trying to unravel that as his mother... for the sake of his future women... very tall order...

These things are so important..

Yes, it is important they are treated well.. but we also have to make sure they are treating others well.

I hope you don't have that end to handle.
 
Try raising a son who is copying the bad habits of his father and trying to unravel that as his mother... for the sake of his future women... very tall order...

These things are so important..

Yes, it is important they are treated well.. but we also have to make sure they are treating others well.

I hope you don't have that end to handle.
Yes - this is quite difficult for a single mother. No question. A taller order than what I have to deal with. Every boy goes through puberty and realizes “hey…. I am now bigger and stronger than my mom. I don’t have to listen to her any more.”

sorry, mom. It sucks. It most definitely isn’t fair. That is life. You are now dealing with a boy brain inside of a man’s body….. and males respond to physical strength. This is a clear advantage that I, as a single father, will have over single mothers.

as such, my level of discipline and teachings of self esteem will cause both of my kids to realize that they must not only treat themselves correctly, but treat others the way they wish to be treated. I consider myself beyond BLESSED that my kids have @LisaDiane in their lives as a true mother who is soft, feminine, nurturing and comforting. Something I cannot provide but is so essential. I love her dearly and her heart knows no bounds. What she offers my children is priceless.

the only suggestion I can make for you is to bring a good masculine role model into your sons life. Wish you were near me. I’d have no problem shaping up the young man to not only protect himself - but to treat others with respect and care.
 
Oh wow.

How do women like this get men who dote on them while decent ones get their asses handed to them? (Yes, I know it happens to men too, but TinyT don't do you!).

Don't let my comment make you feel bad. I'm too ashamed to talk about some of the things I dealt with and can't bear to immortalize on the internet.

So sorry, Mr. T.
How, you ask?

Image
 
Discussion starter · #206 ·
@TinyTbone , I had no idea you had all these troubles, so sorry to learn this.

Maybe do what is suggested occasionally……. how would you advise the OP if it was someone else and not you?
No need to be sorry. The only persons who knew before I opened up finally here are my nephew and his wife...where I'm at now.
 
Discussion starter · #207 · (Edited)
Well a quick nite cap. Made it to my nephews! Good to be with my brother and his wife. Can say as the minutes and miles went by, I felt alot of tension ease away. I NEEDED THIS!
Shot the wife a quick message of my safe arrival. Talked with the folks here a bit and then took a bit of a nap. After that had a very theraputic session with them. His wife is very empathetic and understanding. They both can really understand why i feel so betrayed. Its not what she did or didnt do, its the fact that she had no moral dilemma in it and carried on as if its a normal thing. Plus never saying anything of any of it, is in a way hiding things. We did some really therapeutic honky tonking for a couple hours and now imma ready to sleep!
Oh, as to the Charger. Its coming, just not yet. Now so you interested parties in this, know the style I'm looking for had a column shift and bench with split backs. Mine was an odd duck of options. 318, auto, power steering but manual drum brakes. But had the SE fender markers/blinkers and half vinyl roof. Was i believe the butterscotch color.
Right now it's some me time without the mental distractions.
Good nite.
 
Discussion starter · #208 · (Edited)
Morning peeps. Guess it's time to put to word, some deep reflection I've had with all this. Thinking, as best as I can with the emotions aside, I've come up with a bit of a list for me:

Can I trust what she says to be the gospel?
Can we both get over some resentments and pain we've caused each other through the years?
Does she have genuine empathy for me and remorse for the way she acted, what she did or didn't do?
Can she make me feel safe again, as I did before this starting revealing itself?
Will she really respect me, not just as her husband, but as a man, the man?

Of course, there are so many different variables and nuances along with this. Since I've gone this far with all this, time to layout another issue that was a cause and effect from the time in 2018, when she first dropped a bomb on me.
I've always had a strong physical desire sexually. Due to the now known bipolar condition I have, I realize I have the hyper sex drive. It's hard for a person not afflicted with bipolar to understand this aspect. It's not just a hey I'm horny, you look good, let's get busy kind of thing. It can border on obsession. In talking with my Dr's, psychologist and psychiatrists, they helped me to understand this side affect of the illness. That I'm not a sex addict. That it is a part of how my mind and body seek the extra dopamine to feel good, countering the manic. That for some, it's the total opposite. It has nothing to do with hormone levels. This part is key to understand the next part.
So after the bomb dropped about J, something in me shifted. Very quickly, I stopped responding to her touch? The desire was there, but not the response physically. In other words, you guessed it, ED reared it's ugly head!
Here is one of the most hurtful and ugly parts in all this. About 3 years ago, i was having a difficult time sleeping. So I got up and went to the kitchen and made a cup of coffee. I was having tumultuous thoughts running non stop in my mind. The worst at the moment was the insane desire for her and lack of response. She wandered out after a bit, saw me sitting there in the dark and asked if I'm OK? I said no. She sat down with me and asked what's wrong. That's when the floodgates opened. I explained to her how miserable I have been feeling. How the ED was affecting me. That i felt like less than a man. I have this beautiful woman with me, loving me, me expressing all this desire and...nothing! How was she to believe me? I felt so ashamed. That the one thing, the very one thing that makes me male, and I couldn't do that. That as a male, a man, this is a huge part of my identity. I felt like a Ken doll. Emasculated, and how could she want or respect a man like this.
The big part that she didn't realize nor would understand, were the mind movies, her rejections through the years, the thoughts of how many times did she make love to him by proxy!
She assured me that my feelings were just the spin cycling of my bipolar, that she loved me. That I'm her man and not to worry, she does desire me and this will be figured out. Note I hadn't mentioned the mind movie part.
Well about 3 weeks later we get into a big emotional discussion and it gets heated. It was then that she turned on me and used all that I'd said about how I felt about the ED issue and said how could she really believe it when I said I desired her, yet I lay in her arms and couldn't deliver! She said some other things along with this. She effectively neutered me with this! This was a cruel thing to say to anyone! Add that to telling me how she wished she had consummated it with J? She absolutely shedded my manhood and dignity and any confidence I had!
Over the last year, I've been working closely with DRS in dealing with this issue. My therapist and I have been working deeply with my feelings of shame over this. I know that i have a deep need to reclaim her as mine, as unfounded as it seems, but I need to drive his memories from both our minds, to be that man!
This is for us going to be a huge hurdle to try and get through. She seems to think, offering to try different things sexually is the way to "fix" the problem. I've told her that, while I really appreciate what she's trying to do, it's not the physical act of sex that's broken. It's the part of me emotionally that feels I'm a man. It will require time, losts of therapy together and her ability to make me feel safe, that I AM THE MAN, AND THE ONLY MAN in her thoughts and memories.
This is gonna be a very difficult thing to do, when I'm not even sure what is real about us and what is a lie.
Well there you have it. The final act in a convoluted life together. Its a lot to deal with. This isn't a 5 minute fix. Do I even want to fix it? Is it worth fixing? Will I ever be able to believe what she claims to be the truth? Polygraph or not? Would i be better off to move on, end it and forge ahead? Would I feel even more miserable to give up, give in and let J win after all these years? To allow insecurities from some texting beat me? Are these things retro jealousy, spun viciously by a bipolar mind? Damn it's all just so messed up inside!!
I wish someone could just wave a magic wand and make things right, wish someone else could figure this all out. Wish it wasn't me here, now. Crap I never thought I'd be here like this. I'm sorry folks, guess a bit of self pity.

EDIT TO ADD: In a recent conversation, as well as in "the talk" i brought up the power dynamic shift with her. That, because of my ED issue, she didn't have to fear me stepping out. What woman would want a man who couldn't perform? I'd be laughed into the gutter. She denies this, yet I told her that her actions of entitlement show just how confident she's become in her feeling I have no other choice in my life, except Her.
 
It was then that she turned on me and used all that I'd said about how I felt about the ED issue and said how could she really believe it when I said I desired her, yet I lay in her arms and couldn't deliver!
That is THE worst thing for a woman to say to her guy when he's having trouble performing.

But from what you've said of your wife so far, it's no surprise.
 
Morning peeps. Guess it's time to put to word, some deep reflection I've had with all this. Thinking, as best as I can with the emotions aside, I've come up with a bit of a list for me:

Can I trust what she says to be the gospel?
Can we both get over some resentments and pain we've caused each other through the years?
Does she have genuine empathy for me and remorse for the way she acted, what she did or didn't do?
Can she make me feel safe again, as I did before this starting revealing itself?
Will she really respect me, not just as her husband, but as a man, the man?

Of course, there are so many different variables and nuances along with this. Since I've gone this far with all this, time to layout another issue that was a cause and effect from the time in 2018, when she first dropped a bomb on me.
I've always had a strong physical desire sexually. Due to the now known bipolar condition I have, I realize I have the hyper sex drive. It's hard for a person not afflicted with bipolar to understand this aspect. It's not just a hey I'm horny, you look good, let's get busy kind of thing. It can border on obsession. In talking with my Dr's, psychologist and psychiatrists, they helped me to understand this side affect of the illness. That I'm not a sex addict. That it is a part of how my mind and body seek the extra dopamine to feel good, countering the manic. That for some, it's the total opposite. It has nothing to do with hormone levels. This part is key to understand the next part.
So after the bomb dropped about J, something in me shifted. Very quickly, I stopped responding to her touch? The desire was there, but not the response physically. In other words, you guessed it, ED reared it's ugly head!
Here is one of the most hurtful and ugly parts in all this. About 3 years ago, i was having a difficult time sleeping. So I got up and went to the kitchen and made a cup of coffee. I was having tumultuous thoughts running non stop in my mind. The worst at the moment was the insane desire for her and lack of response. She wandered out after a bit, saw me sitting there in the dark and asked if I'm OK? I said no. She sat down with me and asked what's wrong. That's when the floodgates opened. I explained to her how miserable I have been feeling. How the ED was affecting me. That i felt like less than a man. I have this beautiful woman with me, loving me, me expressing all this desire and...nothing! How was she to believe me? I felt so ashamed. That the one thing, the very one thing that makes me male, and I couldn't do that. That as a male, a man, this is a huge part of my identity. I felt like a Ken doll. Emasculated, and how could she want or respect a man like this.
The big part that she didn't realize nor would understand, were the mind movies, her rejections through the years, the thoughts of how many times did she make love to him by proxy!
She assured me that my feelings were just the spin cycling of my bipolar, that she loved me. That I'm her man and not to worry, she does desire me and this will be figured out. Note I hadn't mentioned the mind movie part.
Well about 3 weeks later we get into a big emotional discussion and it gets heated. It was then that she turned on me and used all that I'd said about how I felt about the ED issue and said how could she really believe it when I said I desired her, yet I lay in her arms and couldn't deliver! She said some other things along with this. She effectively neutered me with this! This was a cruel thing to say to anyone! Add that to telling me how she wished she had consummated it with J? She absolutely shedded my manhood and dignity and any confidence I had!
Over the last year, I've been working closely with DRS in dealing with this issue. My therapist and I have been working deeply with my feelings of shame over this. I know that i have a deep need to reclaim her as mine, as unfounded as it seems, but I need to drive his memories from both our minds, to be that man!
This is for us going to be a huge hurdle to try and get through. She seems to think, offering to try different things sexually is the way to "fix" the problem. I've told her that, while I really appreciate what she's trying to do, it's not the physical act of sex that's broken. It's the part of me emotionally that feels I'm a man. It will require time, losts of therapy together and her ability to make me feel safe, that I AM THE MAN, AND THE ONLY MAN in her thoughts and memories.
This is gonna be a very difficult thing to do, when I'm not even sure what is real about us and what is a lie.
Well there you have it. The final act in a convoluted life together. Its a lot to deal with. This isn't a 5 minute fix. Do I even want to fix it? Is it worth fixing? Will I ever be able to believe what she claims to be the truth? Polygraph or not? Would i be better off to move on, end it and forge ahead? Would I feel even more miserable to give up, give in and let J win after all these years? To allow insecurities from some texting beat me? Are these things retro jealousy, spun viciously by a bipolar mind? Damn it's all just so messed up inside!!
I wish someone could just wave a magic wand and make things right, wish someone else could figure this all out. Wish it wasn't me here, now. Crap I never thought I'd be here like this. I'm sorry folks, guess a bit of self pity.

EDIT TO ADD: In a recent conversation, as well as in "the talk" i brought up the power dynamic shift with her. That, because of my ED issue, she didn't have to fear me stepping out. What woman would want a man who couldn't perform? I'd be laughed into the gutter. She denies this, yet I told her that her actions of entitlement show just how confident she's become in her feeling I have no other choice in my life, except Her.
Using that intimate knowledge as a weapon is horrific. That is a hit to trust on par with infidelity. You were open and vulnerable with her, as you should able to do, and she used it against you. That is just beyond awful.
 
Something to consider — you might have issues with her but it doesn’t necessarily mean you would with someone who hasn’t done all the things to you that she has. So what she better be hoping is that you don’t decide to test that theory. I don’t think you would but that seems to be a fear of hers so I wouldn’t be so quick to reassure her if she ever mentions it. Just change the subject if she does. Silence. She can think what she wishes but you neither confirm nor deny what you would do. She needs to be uneasy about her actions. She’s a little too complacent (I’m not a fan of hers for sure).
 
Discussion starter · #212 ·
Hey folks, thought I'd pop in for a.minute.for some therapy!
Manwithnoname, your words ring loudly in my mind and heart.
LATERILUS79, the ferocity of your emotional outpouring has caused me pause as well. LisaDiane is so fortunate that you and her have found each other! Ya got alot to give yet brother!
Something i read here awhile back keeps popping up in my thoughts, the body keeps count! It would seem there is real validate in that statement.
My brother, really nephew not to confuse, is well aware of this forum and that I'm a member. Can and does understand why I joined and participate. Not like I can see a therapist multiple times a week! Lol
So sitting on a small river bank, got a line in the water, good and safe folks with me, good eats as well. Boy I needed this!
One thing. It's been difficult to read responses from all. To hear what people say and feel about the wifes actions. However this is needed for me to see reality as it looks, stripped of the veneers of life. Blunt, sterile and real. How, if one were in my shoes would see it also.
Damn, I wish I'd just wake up and it was all just a bad dream. It's hard for me to even review what I've written and know it was by my own fingers, so surreal. That this is what's been buried inside, pushed aside, not wanting to see it. Now, at least by being freely open here and my therapist, I have to see, have to cope with all this garbage, have to do something except say your right honey.
 
Discussion starter · #213 ·
Something to consider — you might have issues with her but it doesn’t necessarily mean you would with someone who hasn’t done all the things to you that she has. So what she better be hoping is that you don’t decide to test that theory. I don’t think you would but that seems to be a fear of hers so I wouldn’t be so quick to reassure her if she ever mentions it. Just change the subject if she does. Silence. She can think what she wishes but you neither confirm nor deny what you would do. She needs to be uneasy about her actions. She’s a little too complacent (I’m not a fan of hers for sure).
Now that you hit that subject, I've also wondered this as well. Is it me, or it a physiological response to her and what's happened.
About 3 years ago I considered this issue and wondered if I'd have the issue with another woman or not. I discreetly inquired through friends about if they new a woman that I could hook up with to test this out. Hopefully someone that I'd be familiar with enough to relax with and try. Well, that didn't happen. A friend did find a woman who was a mutual acquaintance that was more than happy to oblige. I couldn't do it! I could not bring myself to even see her. I had an anxiety attack, hands got all clamy and sweaty, heart beat went nuts. I just couldn't do it. I can't bring myself to cheat on her, even if is just for a medical test to see if it's me or her. Guess that just shows I'm faithful to the core, or just so whooped and broken. No it's my wifes face and body I need to see and feel. To bond with.
 
Oh, and to add -- did you talk to your Dr about this and maybe getting Cialis or Viagra? Cialis is a longer acting pill from what I've read -- they call it the "weekend" med because it lasts for a few days.

You could try it out "on your own" before initiating anything with your wife (IF you have that desire -- which to be honest, doesn't sound like you do).

Maybe a poly would help your piece of mind?
 
Did you say you had seen a doctor to narrow down the cause for the ED or no?
 
I hope you DO realize that THIS can cause ED. Much of ED is very often MENTAL -- and she is the one who caused this feeling in you.
@TinyTbone Psychology has more to do with ED than anything! I can attest to this.

I have lived it. Except MY wife was comforting with her words. “Its not important. We will try tomorrow. Just hold me close” My own thoughts sabotaged me. I can’t imagine hearing my wife sabotaging me.

What your wife did with her words has built a massive barrier between you and her. I would bet cialis at max dose wouldn’t help you be intimate with her. Because every single encounter, her words will echo again in your mind.

In your 20s, you could have shaken it off. In your 60s with history she has with you? Not sure how you overcome it.
 
Discussion starter · #218 ·
Hey guys! Well out in Charleston tonite. Hitting the town and doing some clubbing, maybe dancing and the foodie route. Take a couple here to address the responses.
For ya'll that said phycological reasons, winner, winner, chicken dinner! I've been through complete medical checks with this issue as well as the cancer. Not a single cause could be found to indicate a reason. Dr's have tried both Cialis at daily dose and single dose strength and Viagra at max dose. Nadal, zip, nothing. Well, except for more side affects than one can take! I've seen a urologist multiple times now about my hormone levels and damn near had fights about the right levels I should at. Both military and civilian Dr's.
In the recent months I've had to come to grips with the fact that she murdered that part of me. That as I've talked deeply with my therapist about this, she has finally helped me to understand I've been lieing to myself, wanting ro believ that I desire her. Tina showed me notes from 7 months ago took while lightly discussing this. I was amazed that she had concluded this already. As she said love for someone and desire are 2 completely different things.. example: she said you loved your parents or siblings yes? Did you also desire to have sex with them? The answer to that was obvious.
So, I've had to face this problem as a mind issue and not physical issue finally. This sucks big time! I can't see myself going to the pine box abstinent. Yeah I'm an old lion, but all lions need to roar! I'm not a domesticated pet.
So Tina has hit on the moral dilemma of it all. As she has talked with me about, there are many different options. Basically, either I choose to end the relationship and find a new partner, we open the relationship, for me to explore for the "cure", or i can cheat. Pretty much all there is to it.
 
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