Dear Coleen
This might sound weird, but my wife and I got a puppy a year ago after the last of our children flew the nest.
We’d never owned a dog before and now this animal is like another child. We sit on the sofa every night with the dog between us, each of us showering it with affection, cuddles and kisses.
It got me thinking that my wife and I never show each other the same level of affection we show the dog and it made me feel very sad.
It’s worrying. Do you think our marriage is doomed?
What advice would you give to this reader? Have your say in the comment section
Coleen says
No, but it sounds like the dog is filling a gap, maybe where your kids used to be.
Or, perhaps you’re both crying out for affection, but it’s been so long since you were close that you’ve forgotten how, or it feels awkward and a bit embarrassing.
And, of course, it’s very easy to cuddle an adorable puppy!
Rather than feel sad about it, let the dog bridge that gap between you and try being affectionate to your wife. I’m sure she’ll welcome it.
Just don’t let the dog start sleeping on your bed because that’s likely to drive a big wedge.
