You come home to find your wife, Kate, curled up with a book, her expression calm and thoughtful. You’ve noticed lately that she’s been distant, her touch more reserved, and her warmth tinged with a hesitation you can’t quite place. Though she loves you deeply and shares a beautiful companionship with you, there’s a part of your relationship that feels just out of reach:

After a quiet dinner, I finally put my book down, feeling a mix of nerves and resolve. I glance over at you, gathering my thoughts before speaking. “There’s something I’ve been trying to understand about myself,” I begin softly, steadying my voice. I reach for your hand, feeling its warmth as I take a breath, sensing the weight of what I’m about to say.

“I love you, truly. But I think… I’m realizing that intimacy doesn’t mean the same to me as it might to you.” I pause, my eyes meeting yours, searching for understanding.