Birthrites: Healing After Caesarean.

My Wife's A Bitch!

By Rob O

What happened to the woman I married? Who is this person who makes unreasonable demands on me then calls me every name under the sun. I know she's there somewhere behind that accusing look. Would I have married you if I'd known this would happen, honestly, probably not. Can I talk to my family, friends and work mates about what's happening, no way! They would not understand or it would become a major bitchfest. I somehow have to be the man, the provider. I spend my days at work worrying about how she's coping, is she going to hurt our son, is she going to hurt herself? I try to get as much overtime so I don't have to go home. When I'm home I know she needs me, yet I can't get close. I know what I can do to help. Instead I stand back, unable to cope. But what about my needs, don't I work long hours to put food on the table, a roof over our heads? We can't afford to buy takeaway all the time, but a lot of the times I come home to no dinner. I need to escape, but where do I go? Would I go for help even if I could? It is very difficult to tell someone how I feel, especially in a group.

Don't get me wrong, there are great times too, the baby will have a good day, it is like the way it used to be, the way it should be. I want to be there sharing these moments. But when she's abusing me I'll think to myself , why me? I don't have to put up with this shit. I so much want to walk out the door. Don't ask me why I stay, I don't know. Maybe because I have an obligation to my wife, especially my son, who is so innocently caught up in all of this. When we are around other people she has this mask so others can't see what is happening. Then again so do I. The perfect family.

What would I do differently? I would listen without criticising, putting her down or ignoring her. I would encourage my wife to seek help sooner. It was someone else who pointed out the problem. Yet I knew there was a problem from the beginning. I would find a way for me to get help. Even if it's family therapy, or talking to my GP This would have helped me to understand what was happening to my wife and where I could get understanding for me.

Sometimes my wife's still a bitch, but I know it's just frustration. Then again I'm not perfect either. I can put my arms around her and hug her even if I don't have the right words. I had to deal with this twice when she was ante-natally depressed with the second pregnancy. I wouldn't wish a post-natally depressed wife on my worst enemy. I can look back and say we survived, that with help it does end. Just stick in there, talk to your wife and listen to her. Especially tell her that you love her. Eventually she'll be able to love you back. Whether it's marriage or partnership you take the good with the bad for better or worse. That's what commitment and love is about.