If he likes woodworking, that's where I would start. Men feel more intimate with their spouses when they do activities together. I think that it is funny that my husband and his buddies never get together to just hang out and talk like I do with my girlfriends. They do something centered around an activity. I would take it as a great compliment that he is seeking to do something with you - he wants more of your time.

My concern for him is actually his depression. I am a social worker, so that's where my heart lies.

Here's my idea for you to mull over. If he is down in the dumps, could you find some woodworking project that you can do with him that will benefit other people? Christmas is coming. Perhaps wooden trains or other toy projects for needy families? Maybe build shelving for non profit agencies?

The reason that I suggest this is that if he is depressed, giving to other people gives the giver a huge sense of self worth. So often what we do for other people ends up being more for us than anything else. I don't know whether or not he works, but if he doesn't - that's just plain out and out hard on a man. There self worth is tied so much to providing. This would give him an outlet to fill that need to provide. He'd have the deadlines, and feel needed by others. It also would have the benefit of getting him out of the house. He'd also be getting a little physical activity.

If your projects are smaller, like toys, there is a good chance that you can get all of the wood that you need for free from the leftovers at home construction sites. That way you'd not be heading to the poor house

I wish you the best in whatever it is that you find to do together. Oh, and as for the bossiness - sorry My hope would be that after awhile of being together on a project, that need to boss you around would diminish.



It also would have the benefit of getting him out of the house.