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Common Complaints Wives Have About Husbands - Husbands About Wives

Dr. Kurt Smith, LMFT, LPCC, AFC
May 22, 2010

wives-have-many-common-complaints-about-husbands.jpgPart 1 of 4

Ever wonder if the ways your husband drives you crazy are normal? Or if you're a husband, the things you can't stand about your wife.

So what are the most common complaints wives have about husbands, and husbands have about wives? To answer that question, here's some research results from the article You're Driving Me Crazy! published in Psychology Today.

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When asked to rate their top relationship irritants, men and women give strikingly different answers, reports University of Louisville psychologist Michael Cunningham. Here's what grates on us most.

Men's complaints about women:

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Women's complaints about men:

  • forgetting important dates, like birthdays or anniversaries
  • not working hard at his job
  • noisily burping or passing gas
  • looking or staring at other women
  • being stubborn and refusing to give in

Which one of these complaints do you have? Share a comment below.

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This is the first article of four examining complaints and differences in marriage relationships. In the next article we'll start looking at 10 beliefs and problems that come from the differences between us and our partners. Sign-up for our blog at the bottom of this page and be sure not to miss any parts of this series.

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Read Comments from Others with Similar Experiences - Click 'View full post' below or scroll down

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2 comments on “Common Complaints Wives Have About Husbands - Husbands About Wives”

  1. It sounds healthy if all the do's and don'ts are followed. But that would be like two saints arguing. Minor conflict resolution would be a big help to kids in later life.
    Another way it could be helpful is for kids to learn self-soothing skills. By seeing a disagreement play out and then getting to witness how the couple handle themselves AFTER the fight would provide the kids with invaluable life messages where conflict in real life is met with maturity and kindness. I am all for life skills.. So even having mock arguments where the kids learn these skills before a real argument ensues would be beneficial to their emotions. These mock arguments could even be played out to different endings depending on the kid's ages.
    Having good relationship skills helps one throughout their entire life.

  2. Hello. I will assume you hate something the other person is doing, the behavior, and not the person themself. You married them so one would think you don't actually hate them. It is sad to think that a married person (either one) feels hated by their spouse. We rely on them to provide us with the things that being married takes off the table. (flirting, deep conversations, intimacy, etc..)
    So first, I would make sure the partner knows it is not "them'' that you hate but the behavior. This distinction makes and leaves the core person still okay.
    The complaint looking at other women sticks out like a sore thumb. The other complaints are minor infractions that can be corrected immediately if they choose to. But where the eyes are heading the body is wont to follow. The problem is much deeper.

    He cheated so obviously my choice is the 'staring at of other women'.. But I would like to add another 2 complaints (if I may, Kurt).. when he "dismisses you" or "talks over you". It cuts you to the bone. This person whom you only want to share with makes you shatter inside. If anyone were to talk to you or treat you on the street that way you would never speak to them again. It hurts that bad.

    Thanks

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