We’ve been married for 12 years, and somewhere along the way, the communication just faded. We barely talk anymore — no deep conversations, no laughter, not even small talk. Most of our interactions are limited to practical things like bills or schedules, and the silence between us has started to feel heavier than any argument ever could. I feel invisible, like we’re two strangers living under the same roof, going through the motions but no longer truly connected.

I didn’t expect to feel so alone while being in a marriage. I keep wondering if this is just a phase or if we’ve really drifted too far apart. I miss the closeness, the comfort of being seen and heard. I want to fix this, but I don’t know where to begin or how to even open that conversation without it turning awkward or defensive. If anyone has been through something similar, I’d really appreciate your advice or perspective.