Bad husband! No nookie!

[Selkie]

..... Recognizing that you cannot and will not change someone is the key. Can you live with what the things you want to change or can you learn to accept them?

I didn't clearly articulate what I meant: you can't MAKE someone change. Therefore, sometimes you either have to accept the behavior or move on.

Both my husband and I have changed a good deal since we met. We have been fortunate that we've grown together and have not had any insurmountable differences. Basic respect for each other is the key and of course, trying to live by the golden rule.

[indigoiis]

I heard this quote recently - forgive me for paraphrasing... an old woman was asked what was the secret to her glorious 50+ year marriage and she stuck her tongue out, and then said, "see all the bite marks?"

[deedolce]

Indigoiis, I love that bit written by that Barry guy! I'm such an 'Elaine' it isn't funny!

Communication is something I'm REALLY working on, and it's not easy for me. This thread is really hard to read for that reason, seeing all sides and everyone has a point! How much do you cut the hubby some slack and when IS it a big enough deal to bring up to talk about it? What happens when logically you know and understand his actions, and it's not a big deal like Tuckerville posted, but if it bothers her and makes her angry, then why isn't it a BIG DEAL with caps? Do you go by situation or emotions to grade the importance to 'work it out' with your spouse and spend the energy and time to hash it out?

Hugs to all of you that are going through heartache, in such difficult times.

[DDH]

Indigoiis, I love that bit written by that Barry guy! I'm such an 'Elaine' it isn't funny!

Communication is something I'm REALLY working on, and it's not easy for me. This thread is really hard to read for that reason, seeing all sides and everyone has a point! How much do you cut the hubby some slack and when IS it a big enough deal to bring up to talk about it? What happens when logically you know and understand his actions, and it's not a big deal like Tuckerville posted, but if it bothers her and makes her angry, then why isn't it a BIG DEAL with caps? Do you go by situation or emotions to grade the importance to 'work it out' with your spouse and spend the energy and time to hash it out?

Hugs to all of you that are going through heartache, in such difficult times.

If you are asking this literally, then it's going to be a different answer for everyone. Everyone's interpretation of importance is different. What might be important to one won't be to another.
I always go by, is it really worth potentially causing an argument. For example, and this is just something small. My husband never pushes in the dining room chair. Use to drive me insane, and I learned to bite my lip and just walk by and push it in myself. I said something at first, many times but once I realized he just wasn't going to get it I quit trying. It just wasn't worth expending the energy it took getting aggravated, nor was it worth starting an argument over. I have learned to live with it. It still bugs me sometimes, but most of the time I go by and push it in without even realizing I'm doing it.

[Tri Girl]

I always go by, is it really worth potentially causing an argument.

That's the standard I live by. I admit that I'm highly obsessive/compulsive/anal about many things. Things I wasn't obsessive about when DH and I started dating/living together. Things back then that didn't bug me bug me now. It's not his fault I've become a little weird about stuff. If it's worth getting into an argument, I do. If it isn't, I don't. I figure he puts up with a lot of crap from me, too, so I need to put up with his crap as well. Plus, I'm not breaking in a new model at this point. The only way out is in a casket... but I hope that's not for a very long time.
Of course- if he does something over the top that breaks trust/damages our financial future/cheats, etc... all bets are off. I'm going for the jugular. There are certainly many situations that are unacceptable.

I like the story of the old woman with the bite marks on the tongue story. Hee hee. So true.

[Crankin]

I'm starting to wonder if I am the only one who is happily married, for a long time. This is not to make judgements, just an observation. It just seems like there is so much unhappiness around...

[tulip]

I'm starting to wonder if I am the only one who is happily married, for a long time. This is not to make judgements, just an observation. It just seems like there is so much unhappiness around...

But it wasn't always so for you, Crankin. I remember you talking about your first marriage, which was less than rosy. I think many people have periods of very good in their relationships, and periods of not-so-good or even very bad. I was married for a long time, and most of it was very good. I'm now in a very positive relationship, but no longer married.

Like me, you probably learned alot in your first marriage, and are able to apply those lessons in your current marriage. Marriage takes work and communication. And I truly do believe that people can "grow apart" if the relationship is not nurtured.

If one is not happy in a relationship, there are options. One can stay for staying's sake, work hard with the other person to make changes for the better, or leave the relationship. The staying-for-staying's sake option is the worst one, although I think alot of people do it anyways.

[salsabike]

I'm starting to wonder if I am the only one who is happily married, for a long time. This is not to make judgements, just an observation. It just seems like there is so much unhappiness around...

You aren't the only one. I am. My close personal friends are also happily married. Several of my good, local cycling buddies are ditto.

[Tuckervill]

I'm starting to wonder if I am the only one who is happily married, for a long time. This is not to make judgements, just an observation. It just seems like there is so much unhappiness around...

I have a happy marriage, too. We just occasionally have "incidents". lol. I think couples who don't disagree once in a while aren't really engaged with each other.

Karen

[Biciclista]

I heard this quote recently - forgive me for paraphrasing... an old woman was asked what was the secret to her glorious 50+ year marriage and she stuck her tongue out, and then said, "see all the bite marks?"

AH WISDOM!