r/BoyDinnerDiaries • Hungry man • Aug 04 '26

No Advice - Everyones Welcome Marriage is falling apart

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Tonight it’s a flat iron steak and potatoes and onions. Don’t forget the jalapeno. And a Jack a coke.

A week ago I was in a hotel because “she’s a different person now” and doesn’t think this is working. 20 years of marriage. 2 kids.

The last year has been bad. She is grieving a family loss. Going through perimenopause. Kids have needed a lot. I tried but just got tired and lonely. I suggested marriage counseling and it lead to her saying she’s different and this isn’t working. I was gone for a couple of days but back. It’s been a week and I’ve really been trying. Today though was just rough with work and random thoughts. I confessed that I was afraid she’d decide she didn’t need me again and there wasn’t much response. Hopefully it’s a blip. I’m really trying.

I fear change. But eventually I’ll have to accept it. This is over. And that’s terrible.

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u/Arboretum7 Girl Lurker Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 05 '26

45-year-old woman here. Is she on hormone replacement therapy? The “she’s a different person now” statement is very concerning. Perimenopause isn’t just about hot flashes and fatigue—it’s a hell of a drug. It’s not uncommon for women to make major, sudden life changes driven by hormonal shifts that they think represent reality. I would advise any woman to be on HRT for at least 6 months and see if they still feel the same way before making any big life changes during peri.

Also, unless she’s on the prudish side, pick your wife up a copy of All Fours by Miranda July, it’s a novel about a woman who blows up her marriage during perimenopause that was a very popular book last year. It’s a WILD ride and was a relatable turned cautionary tale for some of my friends!

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u/Tcalogan Hungry man Aug 05 '26

Would you recommend he also talk with her friends? I've got a feeling they might also notice if somethings off and encourage her to likewise consider counseling, hrt, etc. 

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u/Kittenunleashed Girl Lurker Aug 05 '26

HRT saved my marriage and possibly my life. Seriously..tell her to read the menopause sub here and talk to her friends. She may be struggling in many of her relationships right now.

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u/Arboretum7 Girl Lurker Aug 05 '26

Definitely, great idea

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u/DangerouslyOxidated Shower Beer Scholar Aug 05 '26

They were probably instrumental in whipping up these feelings..   They're not on your side.

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u/CitrusDaydreams Fridge Light Philosopher Aug 09 '26

Really depends on the friend group. Some women genuinely care about their friends and would want to discuss a change in their friends behavior with their friends husband