Husband hasn't been intimate for four years, columnist responds

A senior woman wrote that she and her husband have had no intimate contact for four years and that financial and emotional concerns make leaving difficult; Dear Abby suggested medical and mental health consultation and advised against making final decisions while depressed.

A senior woman wrote to Dear Abby saying she married five years ago and that the couple's active sex life ended four years ago. She reports that her husband says he does not know why and blames a lack of confidence. The woman says she feels lonely, has lost attraction, and fears financial ruin if she leaves. The letter appears with a response from the columnist addressing possible steps to explore the issue. Key details: - The writer says the couple had an active sexual relationship before the change and that her husband has not touched her intimately in four years. - The husband reportedly does not know the cause and describes his lack of intimacy as linked to low confidence. - The woman describes growing loneliness, hurt, and a reluctance to accept intimacy if it were offered now. - Dear Abby's reply recommended discussing the issue with a doctor and seeking a referral to a licensed psychotherapist, and advised against making irrevocable decisions while feeling depressed. Summary: The woman reports a longstanding loss of intimacy and mounting emotional strain, while the cause of the husband's change is not established. The columnist noted medical and mental health consultation as avenues the couple might explore and urged caution about making final choices during periods of depression. It is not reported whether the husband intends to pursue evaluation or counseling.