Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Many Wives' Misplaced Passion


When I wrote that most men don't realize what is happening when their wives are giving the passion they once had for them to their children, one man didn't agree.  He commented, "Guys do notice but they justify it away because they don't want to be perceived as selfish."  Then he linked a post he had written about it.

He wrote that many men just put up with it because their wives are such good moms.  This is so sad to me!!!  I was that wife.  I was a great mom, but a lousy wife.  Here are some more words he wrote about the thoughts of husbands losing the affections of their wives ~

I have been having a lot of conversations with guys lately and these talks often turn to marriage.  There seems to be a common theme to the marital relationships of many of the guys I talk to.  They are just gutting it out.  Doing what is right, yet not connecting with their wives.  Afraid to voice their dissatisfaction.  All the while, spinning their wheels trying to please their princess.

Despite trying to maintain the appearances of having it all together and weathering the storm,  these men are stewing internally.  It is hard for them to understand how they can be seemingly discarded and disrespected.  When asked what prohibits them from taking a stand and setting a bottom line of what is acceptable behavior between spouses, the response is fear. { Read the whole article HERE.}

Then he writes about the example mothers are setting for their sons and daughters by treating their fathers this way.  Remember, the best gift you can give your children is to deeply love and respect their father.  If you want to really be a great mother, love your children's father.  This is the true definition of being an amazing mother.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing 
and obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22

Comments (15)

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How funny to find this post in my inbox today. We have a busy household with 8 kids ranging in ages 19yrs. down to 6 months. Mornings are always busy at our house and this morning was no exception. I was trying to make my husbands coffee and pack his lunch and my little guys were fussy and whining for more milk. While trying to meet their needs I watched my husband pack his own lunch and I looked at him and said, "okay I've had enough these kids need to know that their dad comes first." So the training started today. How can I expect my kids to respect my husband and his authority if they see his needs always being pushed aside for theirs? I know it's going to be rough for awhile but I think my husband is worth it!
1 reply · active 603 weeks ago
It will simply teach your children to respect your husband more which is huge! It may be rough for awhile but practice makes perfect and you will be setting an incredible model for your daughters to follow.
Your know, when I was Young and things like the lady above explains and my two Little girls were crying and NOT wanting to eat...and I kept serving dinner to him, or whatever; hubby would say: 'Fabby take care of the babies, what's with you?!' Sometimes some men are like that too, as my hubby used to pour himself for the lil'girls too and hardly noticed me, lol...Things passed and we were back to been a couple again...hahaha
Always so great to come by your blog. Have a great September.

FABBY
1 reply · active 603 weeks ago
It is easy for both spouses to put the children first but as wives, we were created to be his help meet and we must never forget it!
I've seen marriage go sour after kids come along and parents no longer focus on each other.

I would word the solution slightly differently, though.

The typical new mom feels busy and tired and like she's dealing with constant demands. Some advice seems to treat the husband as yet another chore or set of demands.

I think that's the wrong approach, and that it could breed more resentment and more exhaustion.

Instead, I would encourage couples to do the following:

1. Recognize that children NEED parents who have a strong marriage, and energy to deal with their needs. We shouldn't feel guilty or selfish about taking time to exercise, eat properly, shower, or sleep for more than an hour at a time - even if it means occasionally saying "no" to kids with non-urgent demands, or using a babysitter.

2. Both spouses should make the marriage a priority. Children should be taught not to constantly interrupt. Times should be set aside for date lunches or date nights. There should be a time to really talk each week, without interruption.

3. Husbands should also be involved with the kids. First of all, they need their father! Second, this avoids the vicious cycle of a mother seeing the kids as "her" sole responsibility and then not trusting anyone else, including the father, with them and not supporting his relationship with them. Third, it's hard to feel like a sexy wife if you are not sleeping, not exercising, not eating, not bathing and not wearing anything that doesn't have baby spit on it. Dad can watch the kids while mom takes a nap, exercises, showers and gets dressed.

4. Getting help with child care and house cleaning isn't necessarily a needless luxury. While it is important to live within your means, occasional expenses for these things can be far less expensive than a failed marriage. Some expectations can also be lowered. There can be a bit of a mess in a playroom, disposable plates may be used when there are a number of guests and meals can be simple to prepare in 5 min.
2 replies · active 603 weeks ago
Great advice, Cynthia. I would take issue a bit with you on #3. Yes, that is the ideal but what if a husband doesn't want to help with the children or watch them while the mother naps, etc? Then what? You cannot change anyone. So if a husband isn't doing those things, I still would encourage them to love and serve their husbands anyways since that is what God calls us, as wives, to do.
What sort of father wouldn't want to care for his own children? I married my husband in part because I knew with absolute certainty that he would be a wonderful father. I would encourage my daughters to have that same certainty when they get married.

At some point, women reach their physical limits, because it is simply not possible to go for long periods of time without proper sleep or other basic self-care and still be a sexy wife. Beyond killing the sex drive, sleep deprivation and other neglect is also a big factor in post-partum depression, it weakens the immune system, it makes you more irritable, and it has an effect on the brain similar to intoxication.

Wives should be straightforward in telling their husbands that they NEED to sleep and have a shower, and then allow their husbands to see what a difference it makes when they are refreshed. Most husbands would be delighted with the transformation.
Hey Lori, just popping around the internet today and was flattered that you posted and exposited my blog. Thanks for the respect and being vulnerable in your response.
1 reply · active 603 weeks ago
Cynthia Swenson's avatar

Cynthia Swenson · 603 weeks ago

Okay, I will be truthful here. Why doesn't that man pray more to be genuinely unselfish rather just people-pleasing? Jesus said the Pharisees were always worried about keeping the outside clean while the inside was filled with dead men's bones. Caring for children takes a tremendous amount of self-sacrifice. I've seen too many men walk out because they simply do not care &they ALWAYS blame the women. Family relationships are tough! The Bible says it's the unbeliever who leaves. Also in the last days, "terrible times will come; men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant,....unloving....irreconcilable....captivating weak women weighed down with sins....";2 Tim. 3. A Godly man keeps loving his wife & confronts & teaches & leads her because he is not a coward & afraid of pleasing her. He DOES love her though & he STAYS! ( I know men like this at church...praise God for them!) Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
1 reply · active 603 weeks ago
You may have read this wrong, Cynthia. These men are "gutting it out" and "doing what is right" even when they feel neglected and discarded.
Tim Coleman's avatar

Tim Coleman · 603 weeks ago

I'd like to remind all of us married and committed to stay that way, to the Bride of their dreams that one day those children become living, thinking and yes Adult people. It so often happens that once the house is empty, so are the Husband and wife! Two strangers 30 years removed and absolutely clueless who that person has become that resides with them. The word of God is the only direction that creates long term loving ( Spiritual and physical ) Growth. To model and live a great life for your spouse and set a fantastic example for your Children is to stay into the word and your spouse. Rarely in our lifetime will either spouse become so selfless that resentments are cast aside, Find that beautiful woman from all those years ago, she is after all still there, only a better wiser version.
1 reply · active 603 weeks ago
This is why it is so important to keep the marriage strong even while raising children. Marriage models Christ and the church. We should never mar that image by having bad marriages.
Loved this! I have learned so much through your blog, and I unconsciously chose my kids over my husband after our 1st and 2nd. Things are so different now, and I have never felt more satisfied putting my husband before my kids. Our 4th is now 6 days old. :) Even with a newborn we are making sure to take time to connect emotionally by doing our daily couples devotion that takes 15 minutes. We now have 4 kids 3 1/2 and younger,. Yes, they take a lot of work and time, but it is still possible to show and give affection to your husband. My husband doesn't want me to ignore our children, but giving him time each day makes him feel loved and in return he naturally shows me more love. He just told me "Thank You" the other day for doing things to please him and love him and how much he loves and adores me. :)
1 reply · active 603 weeks ago
Wow! Those words your husband gave you is all the reward you need. You are reaping what you are sowing. Great job, Brit!

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