Hmmm… are you interested in the rest of the sentence? Thought so. I became a family therapist because statements like this intrigued me.
Well, if you must know… the full sentence is “my husband always tells me that he loves me.” Yes, really.
But how many people start that sentence (and yes, it can be “husband” or “wife”) and end it with something not quite so nice?
And we hear things about their spouse that are not complimentary. Sometimes it’s a one time thing, and sometimes people complain repeatedly.
Here’s the problem:
1. The listener is in no position to solve the problem
2. The speaker may be upset temporarily, but the listener may take the complaining to mean that there is real trouble in the relationship.
3. The listener may draw negative and lasting conclusions about the speaker or the spouse.
4. The listener may take the disclosure as permission to complain about his/her own spouse.
Can you see where this is going? It’s not going anywhere good.
When couples have issues with one another, they should be worked out between them. If they find it difficult, there are any number of self-help books, seminars, and yes, therapists to help them.
But please– if you’re angry with your spouse, don’t broadcast it. I can guarantee that it will come back to bite you.