Dear Annie: I’m a good wife and mother but my husband makes me feel terrible

A reader, writing in as Fed Up to Here, is reaching a breaking point in her 10-year marriage. While she describes her husband, Jack, as a great father to their two daughters, ages 6 and 4, his behavior toward her has taken a dark turn. According to the reader, Jack has become increasingly angry and short-tempered, consistently rejecting her invitations for date nights or any form of quality time together.

A Pattern of Verbal Abuse

The situation has escalated beyond mere distance. The reader reports that Jack frequently lashes out over minor grievances, such as the timing of dinner, her appearance, or whether she has stocked his preferred snacks and beer. She feels she is being unfairly targeted and does not deserve the constant negativity and verbal outbursts she receives from her husband.

Expert Advice from Annie Lane

In her response, Annie Lane makes it clear that this behavior is unacceptable. She emphasizes that Jack has no right to be verbally abusive. Lane suggests that the couple needs to pursue couples therapy immediately to determine if Jack is dealing with underlying issues like depression or unmanaged anger.

If Jack remains unwilling to seek professional help, Lane advises the reader to prioritize herself and her children. She suggests that if he refuses to improve his behavior, he can handle his own domestic needs, such as stocking his own beer, while the reader evaluates her future and the best path forward for herself and her girls.

More Advice from 205focus

For more columns, visit the Dear Annie archives or browse additional advice columns on 205focus.com.

How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?, Annie Lane’s second anthology, is available now in paperback and e-book formats. For more details, visit Creators Publishing. Questions for Annie Lane can be sent to dearannie@creators.com.