THAT was the the most difficult thing for me; and, having enjoyed my wife as my best friend for 26 years, I am glad I made the choice I made.
The sacerdotal privilege of offering the sacrifice of the Mass and presiding over the transubstantiation of the Eucharist surely runs a poor second to the physical affection, intimacy of heart and mind that comes from absolute commitment to and union with a mere mortal as opposed to Christ?
I don't see how it gets more physical than the Eucharist, Sinkspur. I don't see how it gets more intimate than a single-minded devotion to Christ wherein ones life in Christ cannot help but spill over and often profoundly affect all with whom one comes in contact.
Your marriage has the substantively life-changing effect on others that the Eucharist or charism of a Holy Order does?