Spouse won’t face lack in marriage

Dear Annie: “John” and I have been married for 15 years. He is a wonderful person and a great father to our two young girls.

Our relationship is fine on the surface, but it’s emotionally empty. There is little intimacy, which has been an issue throughout our marriage. It manifests itself periodically in arguments that never seem to get resolved. John refuses to go to counseling. He wonders why I cannot “just be happy,” because from his perspective, everything is fine. I have told him clearly that I need more attention and affection, but I have come to the realization that he is “just not that into me.”

I have tried counseling on my own, but I was told to accept things as they are or end the marriage. Annie, I love my family. I am not asking for a magical romance. I don’t think it’s too much for a woman to need occasional loving physical gestures from her husband. I can’t figure out why it’s so hard for him to express his love if he cares for me as much as he says.

I don’t want to leave, but things could be so much better if John would only put a little more effort into our marriage. Any suggestions on how to improve things? Or am I just destined to have an emotionless relationship? – Lonely in the Ville

Dear Lonely: There is a variety of reasons why a man may not show any interest in his wife: He could be gay, asexual, not attracted to you or having an affair. He could have low testosterone or other medical or emotional issues. The real problem is that he refuses to address it. Start with the approach most likely to get results. Ask John to see his doctor to have his testosterone levels checked. If he refuses or it doesn’t help, move on to the other possibilities. Talk frankly with him. He needs to understand the level of your unhappiness.