Feeling disconnected from my wife (35F) - need advice
My wife (35F) and I (37M) have been married for 5 years. She wants us to go out and do activities together more often, but I'm worried about the cost. We only go out as a couple maybe once every few months. I don't mind going out with other couples occasionally, but one-on-one dates feel like an unnecessary expense to me right now.
My wife has suggested budgeting for date nights or scheduling them at the start of the month, but I'm still hesitant. We make a good income, but I'm very focused on saving. Recently she's started going out with her friends instead, which makes me feel like I'm not a priority. When I express this, she asks how she can make me feel prioritized while still maintaining friendships, but I don't really have an answer.
I feel stuck - if I agree to go out more, it stresses me out financially. But when she goes without me, I feel left behind. She says it's important to her to have new experiences and spend time with others. I understand that, but it makes me feel like I'm the source of problems in our relationship.
When she tries to set boundaries around this, I tend to withdraw or get upset. I know I should probably socialize more myself, but I don't really have close friends to do things with. How can we find a balance that works for both of us? Any advice on navigating this situation would be appreciated.
