What’s Up? What’s The Issue?
Hey there, lovely Soul Bonding Love community!
My name is Michelle, and I’ve been married to the love of my life, Will, for 12 years now. He’s everything; ruggedly handsome but soft-hearted, stubborn but dedicated. Each day has been a beautiful journey from when we first said, “I do”. However lately…well…things have been bit off.
Picture this: You open up a fresh packet of your favorite chips and you’re ready to dive into it only to find that it’s half full of air – disappointing right? It feels like that is what happened in our marriage recently. There’s still some flavor left but a lot of the nice parts have departed.
For the past few weeks or so my husband literally refuses to kiss me anymore. Yes – you read that correctly – he won’t kiss me! Not even a peck on the cheek when he leaves for work or before we sleep at night which was once our adorable little tradition.
At first I thought it might just be stress from work or maybe he wasn’t feeling well — but this has become an ongoing thing and no matter how much I try to understand, it hurts every single time.
I’ve tried everything- from initiating kisses myself which got him turning his cheek towards me at the last moment to creating those ‘perfect moment’ scenarios — candlelight dinners with his favorite food or late-night walks under starry skies —yet nothing!
The funny part about all this is – we are not fighting or going through any significant issues in our relationship currently; we chat every day about routine stuff and life in general and there’s nothing else desturbingly abnormal other than this no-kissing resolution of his!
It’s highly unlike him and far from something he’d ever do without giving explanations! At least none that would explain why he would strip away one of my most cherished expressions of love between us!
Every time I approach him about it though he brushes me off saying I’m overthinking things or oddly changes the subject with an awkward joke saying “you watch too many romantic movies Michele.” He truly acts as if withholding affection isn’t abnormal.
I feel lost in our own little world where earlier things were comfortable yet exciting – passionate yet wholesome. It’s far beyond being just about how a man kisses his wife – for me it’s an intimate act filled with immense warmth and pure affection – something that makes me feel closer to him than ever!.
Could age really take such color out of such simple yet profound gestures within marriage? Or am I missing out on something obvious here?
Feeling neglected is eating up more energy than anything else these days which neither does good for my mental health nor can be good for our relationship in the long run.
Hoping someone could give some advice on how should I navigate through this situation because I miss kissing my husband!
Much love,
Michelle
The Raw And Honest Truth I Would Give To My Gal Pal or Sis…
Here’s what I will say, Michelle,
First and foremost, you’re not overthinking. Your feelings of neglect are valid. After all, physical affection like kissing is an important part of any romantic relationship.
But let’s try and understand this from an unbiased perspective. It’s great to hear that otherwise, everything in your relationship is pretty normal and that you’re not going through any significant issues. But it’s the sudden change in his behavior that’s baffling, right?
Communication is the key here, my dear. You’ve already tried to approach him about this issue, which is a great start, but it hasn’t yielded the results you wanted. So try again.
Next time you bring it up, make sure he knows how serious you are about this. Let him know it’s not just about a simple kiss; it’s about the connection and intimacy that comes with it. Highlight what it means to you and how its absence makes you feel.
Give him his own space to express himself too. There might be something bothering him which he isn’t comfortable sharing yet. It’s essential for him to know he can trust you with his emotions and thoughts.
As far as age is concerned, I would say, don’t let that thought bother you too much. Age might bring changes but it doesn’t have to take away from the love and warmth in a relationship.
Remember, Michelle, change is inevitable in every relationship but navigating through these changes together is what makes a bond stronger.
Don’t lose hope and don’t stop trying. It’s a journey and it will need patience, effort and a lot of understanding but I believe you two will figure this out.
Much love,
Auntie Aunty
But, that’s just my personal viewpoint. Let’s actually break it down for what it is.
It might provide you with some more context.
“My Husband Won’t Kiss Me Anymore?”: The Breakdown
Decoding the Silent Message
Let’s start by decoding the concern you’ve brought forward: “My husband won’t kiss me anymore.” This sentence, while simple in its construction, carries a deep emotional connotation.
This is not just about an act of not receiving a kiss but signals towards something potentially bigger happening in your relationship. There are feelings at play here – feelings of confusion, rejection, hurt, and fear. The absence of that physical connection can create a chasm where intimacy once was.
The Emotional Roots: A Deeper Look
In examining this issue more closely, it’s important to realize that we’re dealing with something more than just physical affection. We’re delving deeper into emotional roots.
When one says “my husband won’t kiss me anymore,” it implies fear – fear of growing apart and losing that intimate connection which you two once shared. It could be perceived as an emotional withdrawal or distancing on your husband’s part.
That said, it doesn’t necessarily mean he no longer loves or cares for you. It might simply be that he’s going through his own things or even dealing with issues he doesn’t know how to communicate.
Potential Influences: Navigating Complex Waters
Your husband’s behavior can have multiple origins. Stress from work or financial worries could be affecting his mood and desire for romance and intimacy.
He might also feel overwhelmed by some unexpressed emotions or other personal problems he isn’t sharing with you yet, leading him to pull away physically.
Moreover, it could be due to health issues—physical health problems can manifest as changes in affectionate habits.
It’s important not to jump conclusions but instead open up a conversation.
Talking It Out: The Path To Clarity
The best course of action here may be direct communication. Find a good time when both of you are relaxed and initiate a gentle conversation about how his change in behavior is making you feel.
Be sure to frame this discussion from your perspective using “I” statements like “I’ve noticed…”, or “I feel…”, This way it doesn’t come across as attacking but instead expressing concern.
It’s okay if things don’t get resolved immediately; the goal is to begin the dialogue without blaming him for what might indeed be unconscious behavior on his part.
A Ray Of Hope: Getting Help Together
If your husband’s non-verbal cues continue, remember there are professional resources available such as couple’s therapy which can provide guidance during this challenging phase.
Hold on tight because sometimes relationships go through rough patches only to come out stronger at the end. And remember what they say? Tough times don’t last; tough people do!
With Everything That’s Been Said & Done (Or Not Said And Not Done), What’s Next?
Step 1: Acknowledge the Change in Your Relationship
It’s important to first recognize that something has shifted. Whether it’s subtle or glaringly obvious, your husband isn’t as affectionate as he once was, and you’re feeling the sting of that change.
The underlying reasons could range from stress to deeper issues. The first step is admitting that the problem exists so you can start addressing it.
Step 2: Be Open About Your Feelings
Sometimes, people aren’t aware of how their actions affect others. This applies to your husband too. He might not even realize that his lack of physical affection is impacting you this much.
So, it’s crucial for you to speak up about your feelings. Explain calmly how his actions make you feel and ask if there’s anything bothering him.
Step 3: Seek Professional Help If Needed
If discussions don’t seem to help and there are deeper rifts within your relationship, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Therapists can provide a safe space for both of you to communicate openly and foster understanding—something which might be difficult at home.
Step 4: Explore New Ways of Showing Affection
Affection isn’t restricted solely to kisses. There are other ways one can express love and care as well! Experiment with different forms like hugging, holding hands or simple acts like making him a cup of coffee when he least expects it! Sometimes these gestures spark a flame where words fail.
Step 5: Rekindle Intimacy Outside the Bedroom
Cultivating intimacy outside the bedroom goes a long way in fostering closeness between couples. Find common activities that both of you enjoy—be it hiking, cooking together or even cleaning up! Shared experiences create memories and bring couples closer.
Step 6: Show Patience – Change Takes Time
Above all, remember that change doesn’t happen overnight. Yes, things may feel tough right now but showing some patience during this time can go along way in mending fences within your relationship.
Last Step: Show Yourself Some Love Too!
Sometimes we get so invested in fixing an issue we forget ourselves in the process! Make sure while working on mending fences within your relationship; give yourself some priority too!
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If you’re dealing with a husband who refuses to showcase affection, you’re not alone. Many women in marriages and relationships have felt the sting of emotional distance and neglect.
One issue aligns closely with what you’re going through: experiencing a lack of physical connection because your husband won’t touch you. Head over to our article on why he might be keeping his hands to himself for valuable insight.
However, the lack of affection might indicate deeper issues. If he’s not only avoiding kisses but also communication, check out our post on husbands who won’t talk. This piece, titled “My Husband Won’t Talk to Me”, is a helpful resource for understanding why your partner could be stonewalling.
It’s essential not to overlook mental health which can play a significant role in relationship dynamics. A spouse may withdraw if they are grappling with depression or other mental health issues and refuse to seek help. Our post on ‘My Husband is Depressed and Won’t Get Help’ will provide insights into this complex situation.
Lastly, a common query we receive is around the topic of husbands refusing therapy even when it’s clear that professional help could salvage their marriage. Head over to our post titled ‘My Husband Won’t Go To Therapy’ for practical advice on encouraging your spouse toward seeking professional relationship guidance.