This. All of this. Everything you have written here is truth. It takes a special kind of love to weather these changes of life when the children arrive. Most of us try but fail. We either gift our hearts to our children or to our spouse, finding it almost impossible to do both.

Before the 80s, it was rare to find a man who was an “androgynous mix.” A man came home, and dinner was on the table, the baby fed and put to sleep. Their exhausted wives put on a cheerful smile and followed her man into the bedroom after dinner without complaint.

Gone are those days, and in their place we have the scenario you’ve described in your “Lonely Man” story. And as you’ve said, “Communication is key.” Yes, it may create more friction, but it’s that abrasion that heals and makes your relationship whole again.

Great piece of writing, Adam.