I typically don’t care about things like hairstyle, makeup or clothes. But my wife has started giving herself a buzz cut and I simply hate it. I told her and she grew it out for a while, but she said longer hair was making her depressed and it needed to be a buzz cut. She said it just looks like her when she sees it. Part of me thinks that’s gender euphoria and she’s just around the corner from realising that she’s trans. I would not be comfortable continuing the relationship in that case. (She has said she feels a-gender but not male).
I’ve tried to tolerate it, but I dislike looking at her now and it’s contributing to me being depressed now. I don’t want these feelings every time I look at my wife.
We’ve generally had a good relationship over about one and a half decades, with two young children. We’re also codependent and own a house together.
It would make things difficult if we separate. I really don’t want to separate just because of a haircut, but I’ve definitely been thinking about it. I just don’t know what to do.
As mentioned below it seems likely this is caused by the depression. It seems like both are you are overwhelmed and under intense pressure her especially. Its time for both of you to prioritize your mental health. Go to therapy (couples or individual), get time away from the kids together and / or apart so that you can do something you enjoy. Neither of you can be your best for the rest of the family without taking some time or energy to help yourself. Take on some of the burden so your wife can have some time off from the kids. She should do the same for you. Ask for help so someone else watches the kids and relax together.