A Comment About

Ask Dr. Helen: When Wife Out-Earns Hubby

March 10, 2008 - 1:00 am - by Helen Smith
Zach
2008-03-12 18:26:04

I think the main point to be made here is not that her making more money is in itself a problem. Many men would welcome the extra income and the reduced stress of not being so extended. The problem starts to arise if either spouse makes something of it.

If a man feels emasculated or resentful that the woman makes more it will lead to an argument. A women is not going to like a mopey ticked off man or one who has no confidence.

The other route of course is if the woman becomes resentful. If she thinks he is lazy, she will start being abuse, dismissive, and insultive to the husband. The anger and loss of respect will mount and end up destroying the relationship. Also you should NEVER use money as a weapon in marriage. If your husband makes less and you use that in an argument as leverage, then that will greatly sour the relationship.

Besides money what does a guy really have to bargain with in a relationship? Women always have the option of withholding sex. (Though many would say that will also send your marriage on a nosedive). The man doesn’t have that option. If you hold money over his head and sex, what power does he now have in the relationship. This will destroy the man’s confidence and place in a relationship.

Well that at least is my two cents.