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שו”תadvice
asked 4 years ago

Hello Rabbi
I was looking for an opportunity to ask anonymously and ended up here.
This is not really a halachic question, but more of a question of life experience.
I thought to myself that this was supposedly not a question for the Rosh Yeshivah, but for the Rebbe.
I come from a very strong national Torah family. I started matchmaking a while ago. I met someone who was truly a combination of virtues from a good family and who had everything in her personality. But in terms of instinct, I have a bit of a problem, which is to say, I lack a sense of enthusiasm. The rabbi understands what I mean.
I can’t really talk openly with my parents. But they recognized that something was bothering me and I think they understood what it was. We had a general conversation and they told me that the main thing is personal virtues and the house that can be built and all the other things will come with time. In my opinion, the girl is considered pretty, I’m not saying the opposite.
I am very hesitant. I have no one to talk to.
There are two laws here. One is whether it is right for me to listen to what my parents say. My parents are very special and thoughtful and idealistic and good people and I appreciate them very much. They don’t just say things. On the other hand, I’m not sure I’m like them in terms of their feelings and importance and willingness to take risks.
The second rule is whether it is fair to the girl and whether I should or should not tell her how I feel. It is difficult for me to know exactly what she feels because it is not appropriate to say it explicitly right now and one has to understand from all sorts of hints. I try to convey enthusiasm even though my heart is very troubled, and maybe it is the same for her too. I do not feel that I can start a life with secrets.
General advice?
Thank you very much!

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מיכי Staff answered 4 years ago

Hello.
First, I don’t think it’s a good idea to hide things. Express real emotions, not fake ones. People can sense when you’re faking it, and I believe it comes out one way or another, and it can only be confusing. Of course, don’t express it in words, because that could hurt. But your body language and expressions should be authentic.
Second, the relationship between spouses changes after marriage. Romantic passion decreases to a more permanent and moderate state, which is normal and perfectly fine. After marriage, it is a relationship that has commitment and children (if and when they will have them). In this sense, even if there is no romantic passion at this stage, I don’t think it really needs to be a concern. Love builds over time to its permanent state, and if this state begins earlier – it’s not too bad. In this matter, character, dimensions, and compatibility are important, no less than love. Sometimes you expect too much (influences of stories and legends, movies, etc.) and therefore are disappointed.
On the other hand, if the problem is not romantic passion (love) but sexual attraction, that could perhaps be a particular problem. It doesn’t seem very critical to me (unless there is rejection, in which case it’s worth cutting), but it’s a parameter that is definitely not negligible.
I don’t know how many women you’ve met, or how many dates you’ve had. Sometimes the connection to her personality (as opposed to her looks) is formed over time, and that overshadows her looks (after marriage, in my opinion, looks are almost unimportant). I also don’t know how old you are, or how stressed you are.
You have a few options: 1. Keep trying and see where things go (but authentically and without cheating. Even if it might lead her to break up, that’s the price. A bit of an ego hit, but not too bad). The continuation of the relationship sometimes releases inhibitions and then you meet her more fully and correctly. 2. Take a break for a while to see how you both feel, and then decide what to do next (in a situation like this, I think you should gently explain the situation to her, meaning you should put things on the table. You can say that you don’t see any flaws in her and she looks good and has a great personality, but something in the chemistry hasn’t really formed, and you yourself are hesitant and need to think. Listen to what she says. Sometimes she will respond and you can learn something from that too). 3. Break off the relationship and try someone else. Overall, there are fish in the sea and you can keep trying, and with time and experience you will learn what you can expect and be more realistic about your feelings (as mentioned, sometimes you expect too much and therefore are disappointed). There are situations in which, after learning from experience, you will discover that she is indeed the person you would like to live with, and then there is room to try and get back together (this sounds problematic but happens more than once). There is also a combination of the last two options, meaning to cut off contact not definitively but only to think and check, and in the meantime try and date again. This is not very recommended (ethically and practically) but not impossible and not necessarily inappropriate.
Deciding between these options depends on your situation (age, how many previous attempts, and how many meetings there have already been in this relationship).
By the way, I’m not sure you shouldn’t talk to your parents about it and hear what they have to say. You don’t have to accept what they say, but it’s definitely worth listening to. I assume they’re good people who love you and have experience, and probably aren’t stupid either. That’s what good counselors are for, isn’t it?

בייניש בודד replied 4 years ago

Thank you very much Rabbi!
I'm thinking about it.

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