I haven't been on this forum for some time. It has been three years since my husband died from a massive heart attack. I was born and raised catholic and taught by nuns. My parents wanted me to enter the convent but I honestly never felt the calling. After I married and started realizing my husband had no interest in me and noticing he was always spending time with his male friends, his bike friends, his orchestra buddies. One time in particular sticks out to me there was a symphony playing and he told me he was going and I said I would like to go. I know he wasnt happy we went to dinner before hand and he didn't speak to me the entire meal. We get to the concert and I introduce myself to a man standing there who is shocked and said we didn't know he had a wife!!!  So yes I can relate to nun syndrome and there were numerous times I would say I wish I would have entered the convent. I definitely can relate to the poverty, chastity and obedience. He controlled the money, we never had sex, no affection and I did his laundry, make his meals, and spent a lot of time at home alone. I wish thinking back I would have left but I chose not to so that is on me. I do recall few times I would say that l was not happy and considering it he would give me a look that if looks could kill and say I wouldn't be able to afford to leave him. Thanks for your post this morning it made me actually laugh to know there is someone out there that put this into words. 
 

I don't see the need to give my experience another catchy name...or compare it to anybody else's life.

Because that would be disrespecting the choices other people make. Shoes I would never choose to walk in.

Elle

I can relate. The blameshifting and made to feel like I wasn't enough did a mental number on me! It took a couple of years to believe I was desirable and lovable. I even convinced myself that I preferred to sleep in the bed by myself (my Ex moved out years before my divorce because he claimed back issues). I convinced myself not to expect much affection from my ex-husband after he had been gone for months. He told me that I had watched a lot of soap operas. After working away for 3 months, he complained of being tired and needed a week or so to recover before expecting affection. Fast forward, I don't have that problem now. I'm with a guy who gets off a plane and desires to see me to get a kiss! 

I'm friendly (for the sake of kids) with my Ex-husband but we are not friends. Otherwise, he would have been kicked out of my life by now! Not to apologize and own up to  his damage will always be the reason we are not friends! I have told him that I don't respect him, but I will work with him because he's a decent Father. 

Blackie - Well said!