Since I was little, I’ve had this inner desire to be loved. Now I’m in a marriage that often doesn’t fulfill that deep need. To those who know my husband, this may be a surprising statement, becasue he’s a wonderful man on so many levels. But let’s face it, he’s not affectionate. He grew up in a home where love was expressed by how hard you worked. He saw his mother and father kiss once and can’t remember ever being held on his mother’s lap. So when it comes to showing outward affection for me, it’s like asking a blind man to describe his face.

Intellecutally I know this, but it still doesn’t quench the thirst in my soul. But it’s interesting how prayer helps. I will often pray that he’ll take my hand or put his arm around my shoulders or say some word(s) that express his love of me, and he does.

Another thing that helps–when I hug my husband, he has to to hug me back. When I take his hand, he has to hold mine in return.

I also remember: he needs my love probably more than I need his.

It can be difficult living with a man like this, but on the other hand, those moments when he remembers my need and shows me clearly that he cares are treasured highly.

If you live in a marriage like this, then I highly recomment my book When Love Dies: how to save a hopeless marrige. You can find it at amazon.com.