Not really. The truth is I'm independent by nature and don't really need anybody to make my life enjoyable. I do enjoy her company, on her good days at least, but I'm also perfectly fine without it.

We do try little things here and there to keep the spark lit and those moments are nice. Going out on little dates or having movie nights together are really nice treats I couldn't really enjoy as much alone.

I wouldn't say she takes the pressure off or improve my life that much since I put in way more effort than she does. Her anxiety kinda leaves her swimming in her own head most of the time, so I take on more responsibility. My life would probably be easier with someone who puts in more work, but I've always been a workhorse everywhere I've been, so I just do what needs to get done.

If anything, it's helped my confidence knowing someone finds me desirable. She tells me all the time how beautiful I am inside and out, and those words hold a lot of significance towards compensating for the years of feeling completely invisible.

Even if we don't work out in the long run, the feeling of knowing I can mean something special to someone is validating

Yes. Way way better. We have been together for 8 yrs. There are some rough times because we are both stubborn. LOL. she is kind, caring, beautiful and funny. And treats my kids like they are her own. Same with my parents. A breath of fresh air.

Having been at both ends of the spectrum I can say that those relationships do exist where the spark is there, pressure is off and life does indeed improve for both. Almost forty years and despite the decline in the last few years there are still plenty of great memories left.

Nope

Although I am very lucky that I get to be home with my children, until my son starts school

I didn’t have to put them in daycare, or pay for childcare. I got to raise them and be there for every milestone. So that part is better

I'd say yes, mostly. We have a hard time communicating sometimes, thats probably our biggest issue. But we do care about each other & we always try to help each other wherever we can. I think I handle stress a little better than her so I try to take all the weight I can off of her especially if I see she's frustrated or tired. & When she sees me busy with something she's always asking me "how can I help?"

Sometimes, I even accept her help 🙃 I think I'm improving there lol

My boyfriend, yes. Very much so. I haven’t felt disillusioned with life since I’ve been with him.

My spouse, no. But we’re separated. Haven’t seen or spoken to them in a while.

Open marriage, just an fyi. Spouse doesn’t care that I’m with him.

I’m single for that reason, my marriage nearly destroyed me, I’ve been on my own for a long time now, taken a long time to heal.


It’s not worth the stress, unless I met someone who’s done the inner work, I won’t risk it.

Yes and no. Having only been in unhealthy relationships, im easily triggered by some pretty innocuous stuff. Im safe, but my nervous system doesn't believe it yet. Its not his fault and he tries his best.

He makes some aspects of it easier, but also makes others harder. Unfortunately that spark that really brings life to a relationship has been gone for a while and it’ll never be ignited by the other again.

No, it never did: why I don't do "partners" anymore.

Always a (brutal painful) disaster
and I'd put in ALL the work, ep w my ex.

P.S. Thank you for your posts, it is so much better than most therapy.

Yes. I'm a super anxious person and overthink every damn thang. I get impatient and moody too. He is the complete opposite. He's calm, cool and collective and helps me be a better person every day. I thank God for him. 20 years in September. Hang in there and you will find your match. 🫂

Yes he makes my life better. We have good and bad days. Nobody is perfect. We both say life will suck whoever dies first. Thats our biggest fear, being alone after so many years together. I can't imagine life without him even tho we irritate the hell out of each other sometimes. 😆

He has improved my life greatly.

After almost 12 years together, ten married, my wife left me. To tell you the truth, it was a nightmare almost from the beginning.

If her laying on the couch while I do everything around here is making my life better and refusing intimacy then I must be in heaven. 🙄

Life is so much better because of my partner.

Yes.

I wish I could say yes, but I can't.

You’ve definitely picked the wrong guys, relationships make your life better not worse

My partner in crime does.

No.. That's the understatement of the century too