I’m 42, she’s 38.  Both recently divorced, in our first new relationships in decades.  We have a lot in common, enjoy each other’s company a lot, and have an active and satisfying physical relationship.  Together 10 months now.

She is always in my thoughts.  With her enthusiastic encouragement I’ve rearranged my life around hers.  I moved to be closer, and I spend much of my free time doing little things to help make life a little easier for her and to let her know that I want to be her partner in every way.

She is unable to reciprocate.  In her free time, she reads, or watches tv, or just checks out for a while.  She’ll grudgingly help me out if I ask, but has no inclination to do so and can’t conceal her reluctance to give up her free time.  Which makes me feel insignificant, and a little bit like I’ve made myself her ‘little bitch.’  When I express my frustration, she acknowledges the imbalance, attributes it to her flawed character, bursts into tears, and tells me she doesn’t know what she’d do without me.

I love her.  She’s the smartest woman I’ve ever been with, and we really do connect in a lot of ways, both superficial and meaningful.  I don’t see any future in issuing an ultimatum, and I’m a little afraid that I might be asking too much.  But I can’t escape the feeling that a true partner would be able to meet me at least part way and make a few small sacrifices in the interest of nurturing the relationship.
user
My gf is always in my thoughts, but she can't be my partner because she can't meet my needs.
assistant
I’m 42, she’s 38.  Both recently divorced, in our first new relationships in decades.  We have a lot in common, enjoy each other’s company a lot, and have an active and satisfying physical relationship.  Together 10 months now.

She is always in my thoughts.  With her enthusiastic encouragement I’ve rearranged my life around hers.  I moved to be closer, and I spend much of my free time doing little things to help make life a little easier for her and to let her know that I want to be her partner in every way.

She is unable to reciprocate.  In her free time, she reads, or watches tv, or just checks out for a while.  She’ll grudgingly help me out if I ask, but has no inclination to do so and can’t conceal her reluctance to give up her free time.  Which makes me feel insignificant, and a little bit like I’ve made myself her ‘little bitch.’  When I express my frustration, she acknowledges the imbalance, attributes it to her flawed character, bursts into tears, and tells me she doesn’t know what she’d do without me.

I love her.  She’s the smartest woman I’ve ever been with, and we really do connect in a lot of ways, both superficial and meaningful.  I don’t see any future in issuing an ultimatum, and I’m a little afraid that I might be asking too much.  But I can’t escape the feeling that a true partner would be able to meet me at least part way and make a few small sacrifices in the interest of nurturing the relationship.
user
I'm not sure if my wife has a heart of gold or if I'm too demanding/stubborn for her to have the
assistant