Depressed couple is at relationship impasse
Dear Amy: A month ago, my wife of five years told me she was going through a depression and was questioning our relationship. To be fair, I was as well.
We haven't made love in six months. I tell her all the time how beautiful she is. I try to initiate sex, and I get nothing. She finds ways to make me feel bad when I fall asleep early on the weekend and accuses me of drinking too much beer.
I went back to the gym, but that did little to improve our relationship. It only made me feel like a loser.
I offered to make changes (which I did), but things were maybe worse than before.
We decided that separation was best to really figure things out. She again said that we needed to get our spark back. I am having a hard time, as I miss her and my son.
I see him often, but it's not the same.
I confided in an old female acquaintance, and she and I ended up having sex.
I'm overcome with guilt as I never so much as flirted when my wife and I were together.
My wife told me that she loves me and is in love with me, but is unhappy with herself.
If I tell her about my sexual encounter, our relationship will end. I don't want that. I don't want the guilt I have.
...continued