Psychologist Anna Heal

I’m a 47-year-old man who’s been married for 18 years to a woman I deeply love. We’ve always had a strong emotional connection, but over the past two years, our intimate life has become almost nonexistent. It’s not that we don’t care-we still hold hands, share laughs, and support each other-but when it comes to physical intimacy, it feels like we’re both stuck in neutral. I’ve noticed that my wife seems to tense up when I initiate, and I’ve started to withdraw out of fear of making her uncomfortable. Meanwhile, I still feel desire, but it’s like my body and mind are out of sync. I’ve tried planning romantic evenings, but they often feel forced, and we end up watching a movie instead. I’m worried this distance is becoming permanent, but I don’t know how to bridge the gap without making things more awkward. What can I do to rebuild intimacy without pressuring her or myself?