Question of the Week
Female WOMAN:

My friend's husband is extremely quiet and hardworking. He hardly ever talks. On the other hand, his wife is a great talker. This is creating problems in their relationship and their home is on the verge of breaking up as she is of the opinion that her husband is having an affair. What can be done to save the marriage?

Answer:

The fundamental character differences of the couple ought to have been established during courtship and resolved. In spite of the differences, the couple was attracted to each other to the extent of getting married. This suggests that one way or the other, these differences were complementary in the beginning.

However, when the original attraction begins to wane, there is a need to retrace our steps to see where discomfort set in and pick things up from there.
So how does the man handle such a situation? He should learn to talk a little bit more and avoid any grey areas in communication. Avoid giving your wife the impression that you are hiding something. Assure his wife of his love for her and his commitment to his marriage vows.

Silence always leads to assumptions. When one refuse to talk, it leaves the spouse guessing what your thought could be. If you must check unnecessary suspicions, you must learn to communicate clearly by making your feelings known.

Male MAN:

My wife is an extremist! She talks loudly, takes things too far…She just has a way of freaking me out. What infuriates me the most is that she has a habit of telling jokes at my expense, and she tells the jokes in the presence of other people, yet she expects me to take it in good faith? I have complained about her attitude severally, but her response is that I should stop being childish.

Answer:

It appears your wife lacks the basics of interpersonal relationship. It is not appropriate for anyone to tell jokes at the expense of another, especially when the other does not feel comfortable with the jokes. This shows a gross lack of sensitivity on your wife's part. Besides, she obviously does not understand that by ridiculing you, she is actually disrespecting you. Now that will do more damage to her personality and people's perception of her character through the hurt you feel.
         
In spite of how you feel however, it is still your responsibility to bring her to a place of understanding, no matter how long it takes and how difficult it is to do. Ask God to give you the patience and wisdom to handle the situation.

Have a heart-to-heart talk with her, taking her through the scriptures. Teach her to speak wholesome words and to respect people's feelings when she talks. Explain to her that otherwise her attitude will mar her reputation, which will in turn impinge on your marriage.
You may also consider going for counselling.

 
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Pastor Taiwo Odukoya

 

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