Marriage rocky, but I want hubby

Dear Christine,
Our marriage has been rocky lately. It’s not just one problem, but a general awakening that we may not be meant to be married.
We seem to be growing further and further apart. My husband has been having little flings and so have I. His mother says the only way to cement our marriage is for me to get pregnant.
We have no children and we’d both agreed we were not ready for them. Something in me keeps screaming that I do not want to wait until it’s too late to start a family, and in a crazy way, I want to keep my husband. I’m so confused, Christine. What should I do?
– T.L.
 
Dear T.L.,
While children can bring joy to a relationship, they also bring a certain level of stress. They won’t and certainly should not be expected to revive or save a marriage. To believe otherwise is unrealistic and grossly unfair to the child.
Some couples assume a child will strengthen their relationship. However, if they are having problems before the birth of a baby, this beautiful addition to the family can add further challenges.
A new baby not only restricts the parents’ economic, social and sexual freedom, but may serve as a wedge between them – especially since the new mother will have to devote lots of time to the newborn.
A baby is precious and needs mature parents who really want and are prepared for what a new arrival brings. Babies are not toys or (less) stress gadgets. They need to be loved, constantly cared for and appreciated.
You need to work on your relationship with your husband and build your marriage on a strong foundation. If the two of you cannot get it right, then it would be unfair to bring another human being into a life of misery.
 
– CHRISTINE