Marriage at a distance

It's almost Christmas. Finally I've reached a time in my life when I can pretty much ignore it. But the day after, my husband arrives. We've been married about seven years, the third try for both of us. He lives in Ireland. It's working.

He and I are both odd ducks. I crave solitude. The constant presence of a mate is annoying, but total absence is lonely. It's just about perfect to have a mate who isn't there most of the time. I'm having my cake and eating it, which is a bit like beating monogamy at its own game.

What about sex? I'm faithful, though I do fantasize a bit and could be tempted if anyone showed an interest. But I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be worth the trouble. My sex drive is sporadic, and I'm pretty happy the way things are. Why risk complications? In any case, women my age are not exactly beating them off with sticks. What about him? He says he hasn't, but I also know two things. He cheated on both his previous wives, and he wouldn't tell me if he did. That said, I don't really care that much (but I don't tell him that). His constant desire for sex was a nuisance when we lived together, but he's aging too. He's a tiny bit younger than me, three years younger, with a full head of thick steely gray hair and dancing eyes. Cute face, nice legs, but obesity and psoriasis do level the playing field. He has a good, loving heart and when we do have sex I like it. So maybe he feels like I do, that he's got it pretty good. But like I said, I don't ask.