Dr. Laura:
I was on the verge of throwing away my marriage of 25 years because I was too caught up in the "woe is me" story that I told myself. My husband and I have five children, and five years ago, we went through serious illnesses with three of them in that one year. Our world had turned upside down, and it felt as though we were living in an alternate reality.
I went into full-on "warrior mom" mode and forgot to save any energy for my dragon-slaying husband. I began resenting him and cutting him off in every way. I still can't figure out why he didn't cheat or just leave. I was not much of a wife.
I was on my way home one day and heard you explain to a caller that her husband should be her number one priority and she should stop being such an entitled baby. Even though I listen to you daily, that day I finally "heard" you. I bought and read "
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands," and immediately began employing your philosophy and techniques - in other words, I again became the woman that he married. I thanked him, I touched him, I made time for him. I let him need me.
My kids still need me - a lot - but I'm finding strength in our love and I've seen a major change in us and our children. You sometimes sound harsh, but you are
right, and I thank you (and so do my husband and children).
Sybil
