Tag: self respect

My husband always makes me think I am stupid. He has broken my self-confidence and my self-respect. He fights with me in front of his parents and makes me feel like a total idiot. He says that he loves me more than anything, so why is he doing all this to me? I am looking for away out of our marriage but he won't let me. What should I do?

I’m really glad that you wrote in about this matter. You are smart to realize that it is a situation that needs attention and by my addressing it with you, I will hopefully be helping many other women in the same scenario.

This question to "Why Do I?" sparked a lively discussion in our home. My significant other, Angelika Kasten, immediately asked why this is such a big issue for men when women typically make less money than their husbands, yet have no problem with it. She suggested that while women value a spouse who is hard working and makes enough money, the difference in income is much less important if that spouse is loving, respectful and has a strong sense of him- or her-self. Angelika said that there are many ways to contribute a fair share to the relationship that doesn’t involve money and that men differ in their concerns about income levels. While some men would be glad to have a wife who makes more money than they do, others might feel that they're not playing out their designated role as the "man" and breadwinner.