Question: I am a working professional and have a flourishing career. The problem is my husband is not quite fond of the fact that I earn more than him. Mine is a love marriage and we still love each other. But he just can’t come to terms with the reality. This has created a rift between him and me. We fight often these days. He wants me to give up my job, which he was so appreciative about once. Please help me sort this thing out as I really love him but I also love my job. Please help. Anuparna Kohli, Chandigarh.
Answer: It’s good to see that you are trying to make this marriage work. Mostly, these kinds of issues end up in a messy divorce for lacking of intent to solve it. First, you need to ask your husband what is it that is bothering him? Is it the work, the pay or the mere fact that you earn more than him?
In today’s economy, it is highly essential that both husband and wife work so that you can have a good and comfortable shot at life. Make him realise that you are doing it for the family. It’s given that with increased pay comes increased workload, but take out some time to be with him. Talk to him about your future plans. Try to make him involved with the work you do. Talk to him about his job.
You mentioned he was appreciative about your heightened pay and position once, so it is very unlikely that he has an issue with it now. May be something you said triggered off such feelings in him. So your job is to figure out the reason why he is behaving as such and make amends.