DEAR ABBY: My husband, "Ted," and I have been married for four years and have a 3-year-old son. Before we were married we talked about having at least two children.
After our son was born, Ted went through what he believes was postpartum depression. He wasn't prepared for the reality of having a baby, and it was hard on him. To his credit, he got through it and has been a fantastic father to our son.
He now says he doesn't want any more children. We are financially stable, but Ted says it isn't the money. He just doesn't want to go through it again.
Abby, I can't imagine not having one more child. I know I can't force him to change his mind, but I'm afraid I will resent him for denying me something I want so badly, especially since we had agreed ahead of time.
I feel there is no compromising on this. Either way, one of us is going to be miserable. I cry all the time and don't know how to move on. Can you help? -- DREAMING OF TWO IN TACOMA, WASH.
DEAR DREAMING OF TWO: I wish I could, but not knowing the cause of your husband's anxiety and aversion to having another child, I'm at a disadvantage. You should both talk this out with a licensed marriage and family therapist, and I hope you'll do it before you become further depressed because your current mental state may adversely affect your ability to parent the child you have.