How to Cope When Your Wife Turns into a Real “Messy Piglet” at Home

My wife and I have spent twelve years togetherquite the storybook stretch, youd think. In the early days, everything felt right as rain. I was working, my wife kept our home running smoothly, and we were blessed with two lovely childrena daughter and a son.

Not too long ago, I received a promotion at the office, which meant a comfortable boost to our familys income. Youd imagine wed be living the dreamwhat more could one want? Yet trouble snuck in through the back door, just when all seemed well. My wife suddenly became absolutely obsessed with soap operas. Strangely enough, she watches everythingpolice dramas, soppy love stories, even those rather bizarre Japanese shows Id never heard of until recently. Apparently, theyre all the rage now.

It wouldnt ruffle my feathers if my wife fancied relaxing in front of the telly in her spare time. But before long, the dramas took up nearly every waking hour. She almost stopped tidying up and hardly ever cooks. Whenever I mention it, she breezily suggests we could order pre-made mealsso long as the bank account allows. Which, fine, is a treat now and then, but should the children have takeaways every day?

On top of that, shes started to put on quite a bit of weightunsurprising, since she spends all day glued to the screen, snacking endlessly. I tried to get her interested in something away from the living room, suggesting we join the gym together or sign up for swimming classes, but she always replies, Im tired. From what, I ask you? Once, in exasperation, I hired a cleaner to sort out the entire house in hopes of making a point. My wife took it as a sign she neednt bother with chores ever again. And even the children are often left to their own devicesher full attention belongs to those precious soaps.

I havent the faintest idea how to reach her anymore. The lively, fascinating woman I once loved seems lostreplaced by someone interested only in the fate of cardboard heroes on the box. Most evenings, after slogging through work, I find myself doing the laundry and seeing to the kids homework. As for support, theres none to be had from my mother-in-law, who unfailingly takes my wifes side, despite once believing I wasnt good enough for her daughter.

So Im left pacing, pondering thoughts of divorce. It tears at me knowing the children are the ones caught in the middle of this curious dream. Im at a loss, wandering this strange haze, wondering if theres a way out, or if were simply to drift along, lost in the fog.