>There's the last 6 1/2 years of my life, basically. Anyone truly curious about why I have become so daffy, look no further. Not blaming it on her at all. She was just the one, and I have been having a hard time accepting substitutes. Without her I have to make an effort every day. Hyperromantic? Yeah, I guess so. And I didn't used to be.
>
>Your wife -- of long standing, I think -- is still with you. Go give her a kiss.

I do, regularly. Did so for the last 30 years (plus the six before we married).

As Dušan Radović once said
In life it suffices to be smart only twice: when you chose your occupation, and the marital partner. Who fails both, has to be smart the whole life.