Dear DSO: "Can My OCD Wife Change?"

Dad Starting Over

Ralph addresses a deeply personal letter from a listener named Jay, who is grappling with significant intimacy issues in his ten-year marriage. The common theme throughout this episode revolves around navigating the intricate web of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its implications on marital intimacy, emotional disconnect, and the potential for infidelity.

Jay's story revolves around his wife's OCD, which creates barriers to physical affection, leaving him feeling unattractive and unsatisfied. Ralph dives into the intricacies of living with a partner who has OCD, explaining that OCD falls under the category of neurodivergence, and often comes with other traits from the autism spectrum. Ralph emphasizes that these traits are deeply ingrained and unlikely to change, posing the critical question, "Should Jay stay in this marriage or move on?"

Additionally, Jay's budding feelings for a coworker add another layer of complexity to the situation. Ralph touches on the perils of infidelity and urges deep self-reflection. He advises Jay to evaluate why he stayed in a disconnected relationship for so long to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.

Join the HFM Brotherhood!