My wife and I have been married for twelve years nownot exactly a short stint, is it? Things were fantastic in the beginning: I worked, she looked after the home, and together we had two lovely children, a daughter and a son.
Recently, I received a promotion at work and our household income increased quite a bit. You’d think that would mean life is all sunshine and roses. But trouble crept in from a direction I never anticipated. My wife suddenly became obsessed with soap operas. Oddly enough, she doesnt care what kindshe watches everything from gritty police dramas and cheesy romantic comedies to the latest popular British series (the ones everyone seems to binge these days).
Now, I wouldnt mind her unwinding in this way if it was just a bit of escapism. But over time, the shows have gobbled up almost all her time. Shes nearly given up on keeping the house tidy or preparing proper meals. When I bring it up, she just suggests we order takeaway if we can afford it. Thats all well and good now and then, but surely the kids cant live on ready meals day in, day out?
On top of that, shes started to put on weight because she spends all her time glued to the screen, always snacking. Ive tried to tempt her away, suggesting we join a gym together or take up swimming at the local pool. Her reply is always the same: Im tired. I cant for the life of me figure out what is wearing her out! To make a point, I once hired a cleaner to get the house spotless top to bottom. My wife then decided she didnt need to lift a finger anymorenot even to spend time with the children, as her precious shows are her main focus.
I honestly dont know how to talk to her anymore. The lively, interesting woman I once fell in love with has become someone whose only concern is whatever is happening to the characters on television. More often than not, I have to rush home from work to put a load on in the washing machine or help the children with their homework. My mother-in-law firmly sides with my wife about everything, even though she once thought I wasnt good enough for her daughter. So, theres no help to be found there, either. Divorce has crossed my mind. I feel terribly sorry for the childrentheyre the ones suffering the most, clearly. Im at a loss and not sure if theres a way out of this mess.
If theres a lesson in this, I suppose its that problems can creep up on you even in the least expected ways. Happiness needs to be nurtured by both sides, and watching life slip by on the telly is no substitute for real connection.
