My wife and I have been together for twelve yearsnot a bad family story, is it? In the early days, everything was wonderful: I worked, my wife took care of the house, and she gave me two lovely childrena daughter and a son.
Recently, I’ve been promoted at work, and our household income has gone up. Youd think that would make life easier and happier for us all. But trouble has crept in from the most unexpected quarter. Seemingly out of nowhere, my wife has become completely obsessed with television dramas. She doesnt discriminateshell watch anything from British crime series and romantic shows to the latest American thrillers that everyone seems to be talking about now.
At first, I didnt mind; everyone needs to relax in their own way, after all. But over time, these programmes have taken over her life. Shes all but stopped cleaning or cooking. If I bring it up, she simply suggests we order takeawayassuming we can afford it. Thats all well and good for the odd night, but can the children really eat convenience meals every single day?
Worse yet, my wife herself is gaining weight because she spends all her time on the sofa, constantly snacking in front of the TV. Ive tried to divert her attentioneven suggested we join the gym or go swimming togetherbut I get the same answer every time: Im tired. Tired from what, Im really not sure. Once, hoping to make a point, I hired a cleaning lady to put the house in order. My wife took this as a cue that she no longer needs to bother with any housework at all. Now, she barely even has time for the children; her precious television dramas fill her whole day.
I just dont know how to get through to her. The lively, interesting woman I fell in love with has turned into someone completely wrapped up in fictional characters lives. More and more, after work, it falls to me to put on a load of washing or help with the childrens homework. My mother-in-law is fully on my wifes sidethough she used to think her daughter could do better than meso theres no support coming from her either. Lately, Im even considering divorce. It breaks my heart for the children; theyre suffering the most from all this, no doubt. I feel lost, unsure what to do or whether things will ever improve.
