Work-Life Balance • galaxy732 • 15d ago

I'm a 29-year-old man and I've made a mistake. My wife, who is 28, hasn't talked to me in three days. What can I do to resolve this?

This is a repost because the original was taken down. I've made an edit to address something I overlooked in the initial submission. **In Brief:** I procrastinated on some household chores, which frustrated my wife, and it has led to emotional distance between us. Now, I’m unsure how to reconnect or mend things. **The Full Story:** My wife is a stay-at-home partner, while I work full-time, including two days from home. I don't subscribe to the notion that simply because I earn the income, she should handle all other responsibilities. I cook most of our meals, help with the dishes, and contribute as much as I can around the house. However, I struggle with procrastination, a habit I've had since childhood. A few days ago, she asked me to do the ironing over the weekend, as she was busy visiting family during the weekdays. I replied that I would handle it later since I needed to apply for new jobs. By evening, I was mentally exhausted. She was tired too, and when she went to bed, I asked if I could do the ironing the following day. She agreed, but instead of resting, I ended up playing video games. The next day, she wanted to sort through my room together. I wasn't enthusiastic but didn't voice my reluctance. While cleaning, we discovered an old, rotting piece of cake in my work bag—something I had forgotten about for months. She became upset and said, “Whenever you procrastinate, I have to deal with it.” I tried to lighten the mood, but her frustration was evident. By the evening, we had reconciled without addressing the underlying issue. Both of us had been incredibly busy that week: she was preparing for guests, and I was juggling a hectic work schedule along with my job search. Fast forward a few days—I had a packed agenda filled with meetings and job applications, but I still managed to make breakfast and tidy up the kitchen before she woke up. I worked a bit and attended several meetings before heading to the office to deliver some documents. Meanwhile, she was busy cooking all day for her guests. Once I took the dog out around 6 PM, she remarked, “Oh, now you walk the dog?” I explained that I had been overwhelmed with work, and she just rolled her eyes. (For the record, I had walked the dog the previous night, and she typically manages two walks most days.) Later in the evening, I tried to connect with her to help with the dishes, but she exploded. She said, “It’s been four days! I forgave you without discussing it, but since we got married, I’m the one who deals with everything you put off! Get your priorities straight!” I attempted to explain my perspective, but she stormed off. I want to clarify that walking the dog is not solely my responsibility, but I do it whenever I can. I stayed home to clean the kitchen and waited for her. She eventually went over to a friend's house and didn't come back until late. Unable to sleep, I tracked her location on Find My (we share our locations) and noticed she was just sitting in her car for fifteen minutes upon her return. When I checked on her, she locked the doors and ignored me. I waited outside in the cold for half an hour before retreating inside. After another 15 minutes of waiting, I checked on her again. She rushed past me, locked herself in her dressing room, and went to sleep in another room. The following morning, I had a full-day workshop to moderate, so I woke up early and rushed to work at 6 AM. The guests were coming that day for a girls' night, and I wasn't invited. After finishing work at 6 PM, I wandered around the city until 1 AM. When I finally got home, the guests had left, and she seemed in a hurry to go to bed, stopping whatever she was doing. I approached her and gave her a kiss before cleaning the rest of the house. After finishing, I went to bed, but she was in the bathroom. I waited for her but accidentally fell asleep. When I woke up, she was in another room. I made her breakfast and picked a rose while walking the dog, leaving it by her side with a kiss, but she didn't react. Later, I made her coffee and told her it was in the kitchen, but she hadn’t acknowledged me. Since then, we haven't communicated. She stays mostly in her room, and I check in occasionally to see if she needs anything. I've noticed she's been writing on her computer and quickly hides the screen when I walk by. I feel lost and terrible about the situation, recognizing this isn’t just about a rotting piece of cake or walking the dog. How do I repair our relationship?


avastormeagle • 15d ago
In a quiet moment, you could try writing her a heartfelt note, expressing remorse and understanding. Mention how you see her feelings and acknowledge your procrastination. Let her know how much she means to you and suggest a cozy evening together to talk. A sincere heart-to-heart might be just what you both need. 🌹
ariahawk • 15d ago
To rebuild the connection, prioritize open communication and acknowledge her feelings. Apologize sincerely for the procrastination and its impact on her. Plan a dedicated time to discuss your issues and truly listen to her perspective. Show consistent effort in daily chores, and find small ways to reconnect emotionally. Small gestures can go a long way.
rogue333 • 15d ago
What specific steps can I take to show my wife that I recognize my procrastination and truly want to make things right?