Terrible First 3 months of Marriage

  • Thread starter Thread starter SeminoleGirl22
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
40.png
felra:
My objective: Figure out who is this person that I married and can I ever trust him. Hmmm, …do I really want to make this a number one priorty in my life? Maybe two, maybe three …four? …
My wive and I were married some 40 years ago, but in those days, you took a vow. As I recall, our vow required us to remain married for life – not to start looking for a way out in only three months.
40.png
felra:
Yes, let’s reference what faithful Bill “fidelity” Clinton would do, hmmm, …first buy some cigars, then …
Sick Willie was seriously-challenged morally. Nevertheless, he is right – when you keep doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different outcomes, you’re not acting rationally.
40.png
felra:
Yes, I am the one that needs to change in this marriage. Maybe if I stand before the mirror and repeat to myself, “If you are to arrive at a better state, it will be through controlling and shaping your own behavior …If you are to arrive at a …”.
Do you really think you can control someone else’s behavior?

Clearly, this marriage has fallen into a pattern of mutual conflict. SOMEONE has to break the cycle.
 
Please check your Private Messages SeminoleGirl22.

I will keep you and your hubby in my prayers.

malia
 
vern humphrey:
My wive and I were married some 40 years ago, but in those days, you took a vow. As I recall, our vow required us to remain married for life – not to start looking for a way out in only three months.

Sick Willie was seriously-challenged morally. Nevertheless, he is right – when you keep doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different outcomes, you’re not acting rationally.

Do you really think you can control someone else’s behavior?

Clearly, this marriage has fallen into a pattern of mutual conflict. SOMEONE has to break the cycle.
I do not disagree with you on any of your above excellent points. But the way that you presented, you could give this poor newlywed that she is the problem, that she has no say or self-determination to influence what occurs in her marriage. I am not suggesting a way out, but to be sure to get the right ingredients in her marriage foundation so that it likewise will last for life. Let’s pray for her marriage.

God bless.
 
40.png
felra:
I do not disagree with you on any of your above excellent points. But the way that you presented, you could give this poor newlywed that she is the problem, that she has no say or self-determination in what occurs in her marriage. I am not suggesting a way out, but to be sure to get the right ingredients in her marriage foundation so that it likewise will last for life. Let’s pray for her marriage.

God bless.
We should indeed pray for her marriage, and for both her and her husband.

The question is not "who is the problem?’ but “How do I solve the problem?” Is it permissible to quote Saint Augustine?

"Brought up thus modestly and soberly, and made subject rather by Thee to her parents, than by her parents to Thee, so soon as she was of marriageable age, being bestowed upon a husband, she served him as her lord; and did her diligence to win him unto Thee, preaching Thee unto him by her conversation; by which Thou ornamentedst her, making her reverently amiable, and admirable unto her husband. And she so endured the wronging of her bed as never to have any quarrel with her husband thereon.

"For she looked for Thy mercy upon him, that believing in Thee, he might be made chaste. But besides this, he was fervid, as in his affections, so in anger: but she had learnt not to resist an angry husband, not in deed only, but not even in word. Only when he was smoothed and tranquil, and in a temper to receive it, she would give an account of her actions, if haply he had overhastily taken offence.

"In a word, while many matrons, who had milder husbands, yet bore even in their faces marks of shame, would in familiar talk blame their husbands’ lives she would blame their tongues, giving them, as in jest, earnest advice: “That from the time they heard the marriage writings read to them, they should account them as indentures, whereby they were made servants; and so, remembering their condition, ought not to set themselves up against their lords.”

“And when they, knowing what a choleric husband she endured, marvelled that it had never been heard, nor by any token perceived, that Patricius had beaten his wife, or that there had been any domestic difference between them, even for one day, and confidentially asking the reason, she taught them her practice above mentioned. Those wives who observed it found the good, and returned thanks; those who observed it not, found no relief, and suffered.”

(Book 9, Confessions of Saint Augustine.)
 
vern humphrey:
We should indeed pray for her marriage, and for both her and her husband.

The question is not "who is the problem?’ but “How do I solve the problem?” Is it permissible to quote Saint Augustine?

"Brought up thus modestly and soberly, and made subject rather by Thee to her parents, than by her parents to Thee, so soon as she was of marriageable age, being bestowed upon a husband, she served him as her lord; and did her diligence to win him unto Thee, preaching Thee unto him by her conversation; by which Thou ornamentedst her, making her reverently amiable, and admirable unto her husband. And she so endured the wronging of her bed as never to have any quarrel with her husband thereon.

"For she looked for Thy mercy upon him, that believing in Thee, he might be made chaste. But besides this, he was fervid, as in his affections, so in anger: but she had learnt not to resist an angry husband, not in deed only, but not even in word. Only when he was smoothed and tranquil, and in a temper to receive it, she would give an account of her actions, if haply he had overhastily taken offence.

"In a word, while many matrons, who had milder husbands, yet bore even in their faces marks of shame, would in familiar talk blame their husbands’ lives she would blame their tongues, giving them, as in jest, earnest advice: “That from the time they heard the marriage writings read to them, they should account them as indentures, whereby they were made servants; and so, remembering their condition, ought not to set themselves up against their lords.”

“And when they, knowing what a choleric husband she endured, marvelled that it had never been heard, nor by any token perceived, that Patricius had beaten his wife, or that there had been any domestic difference between them, even for one day, and confidentially asking the reason, she taught them her practice above mentioned. Those wives who observed it found the good, and returned thanks; those who observed it not, found no relief, and suffered.”

(Book 9, Confessions of Saint Augustine.)
Vern, if I could offer a suggestion to you …DUCK!!
 
40.png
Pug:
Yes, all men are uncomfortable in the presence of knickknacks! Even better, put out waterford crystal dishes with stale nuts and bad tasting chocolates. Buy a case of Hummels and put out potpuri. Put lace doilies on the chair arms, etc. He’ll be positively afraid to enter the room.😃
i said mark her territory, not torture the man to death.
 
Makes me wonder - if he is NOT Catholic or is not practicing, he may not understand why she is so disturbed by the - um- self-gratification. I wonder if he will see a Priest.
 
This is a live changing CD at the right price.

Marriage and the Eucharist
http://www.catholicity.com/pictures/black1x1.gif


What Listeners Say

A priceless gift has been prepared for you by John Paul II. The pope’s biographer, George Weigel, calls the Holy Father’s gift a “theological time bomb.” It’s called the Theology of the Body.

The New Springtime
During the very first years of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II layed the foundations not just for his unique reign but for the entire New Evangelization by giving 129 Wednesday talks on what he termed “The Theology of the Body” (TOTB).

http://www.catholicity.com/maryfoundation/pictures/chriswestpope143x116.jpeg TOTB is the culmination of a lifetime of holiness, love for families, brilliance, as well as his supernatural road map for bringing forth the Civilization of Love. It has effected everything he has accomplished as a man, as pope, as priest, and father of souls.

Without Parallel
And we can hardly wait for you to hear Christopher West. He is without parallel. He’s insightful, hilarious, caring, and full of infectious energy. He has taken an extremely difficult subject and “unpacked” it for us regular folks without watering down any of its mighty spiritual firepower.

Finally, marriage is the foundation for all family life, culture and civilization. The Eucharist is the most important unifying supernatural Mystery of our life as Christians. “Marriage and the Eucharist” will unlock truths about these two profound realities of Christian life (and how they are related) in fresh, exhilarating, and deeply insightful ways that will affect how you live your faith, your marriage, your life as son or daughter, and how you serve God Himself.

A tidal wave. An explosion. We think you’ll love it.

catholicity.com/pictures/order90x40.gifOrder your free copies online

now.catholicity.com/maryfoundation/
 
vern humphrey:
I’d recommend you make up with him, apologize for locking him out and wait until he outgrows his problems with porn. You took vows to love one another. If you live up to yours, perhaps he will live up to his.
“Outgrows” his problems with porn? The same way that people “outgrow” their problems with alcoholism?

Destructive addictions don’t get outgrown. They get overcome – by great effort, and often with professional help. They need to be brought into the light and faced down. I would not advise crossing one’s fingers and hoping that “perhaps” he’ll live up to his marriage vows.

Vern, with the passage that you posted from St. Augustine, the real message is that if a husband can be called the “lord” in his marriage, then it’s high time this man learn what the responsibilities of lordship entail. And those responsibilities include protecting and cherishing one’s bride, even unto the point of dying for her well-being.

Can you imagine Jesus Christ treating his bride, the Church, in this fashion?
 
antonius said:
“Outgrows” his problems with porn? The same way that people “outgrow” their problems with alcoholism?

Do you have a better idea? The current approach seems to involve a lot of screaming and locking people out, kicking down doors, and other behavior that doesn’t seem to be dealing with the problem.

antonius said:
"Destructive addictions don’t get outgrown. They get overcome – by great effort, and often with professional help. They need to be brought into the light and faced down. I would not advise crossing one’s fingers and hoping that “perhaps” he’ll live up to his marriage vows.

Didn’t both parties take marriage vows? Don’t both parties have a responsibility to make the marriage work?

In 40 years of marriage, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that if our marriage is to work, I have to make it work. Only when one realizes that can one have a truly Catholic marriage.

antonius said:
"Vern, with the passage that you posted from St. Augustine, the real message is that if a husband can be called the “lord” in his marriage, then it’s high time this man learn what the responsibilities of lordship entail. And those responsibilities include protecting and cherishing one’s bride, even unto the point of dying for her well-being.

And what strategy do you suggest be implemented to make that happen?

Saint Monica’s strategy worked.
40.png
antonius:
Can you imagine Jesus Christ treating his bride, the Church, in this fashion?
As Saint Augustus would have admitted, his father, Patricius was NOT Jesus Christ. A strategy that demands the other partner be Christ is not going to work.
 
I feel so bad for you cause I can relate to the porn problem. My ex husband had porn all during our 18 yr. marriage and 5 kids. It made me feel terrible cause you can never live up to what he sees in the mags and videos. It got so bad he would carry nasty magazines in his briefcase and watch it on video when I went to bed. I would find it when I cleaned house and worried the kids would. All the while he professed to be a good Catholic, lay distributor, etc. It also changed the way I felt about him–no respect after awhile. I would certainly see a priest for counseling and see if he would go to.
 
vern humphrey:
Do you have a better idea? The current approach seems to involve a lot of screaming and locking people out, kicking down doors, and other behavior that doesn’t seem to be dealing with the problem.

Didn’t both parties take marriage vows? Don’t both parties have a responsibility to make the marriage work?

In 40 years of marriage, the most important lesson I’ve learned is that if our marriage is to work, I have to make it work. Only when one realizes that can one have a truly Catholic marriage.

And what strategy do you suggest be implemented to make that happen?

Saint Monica’s strategy worked.

As Saint Augustus would have admitted, his father, Patricius was NOT Jesus Christ. A strategy that demands the other partner be Christ is not going to work.
It sounds like Antonius was suggesting something concrete, like seeking professional help, not just wishing the problem away by being “loving” as you had suggested.

Both parties did make marriage vows. Apparently her husband didn’t mean them. This is serious. If that is the case, then they do not have a valid marriage. She can be the sweetest, most forgiving, self-sacrificing woman in the world, but if her husband didn’t mean what he said when he took his vows, she will never have a real marriage. Two people are required for that.

I am sure in 40 years of marriage, you were not the only one trying to make it work.

A good husband should use Christ as a model. Just because he can’t BE Christ, does not mean he doesn’t have to try.
 
Sounds to me like your husband is terribly sexually frustrated and is acting out. Instead of fighting and bolting doors you two should be enjoying the marital bed, especially in the first few months!

I have some suggestions but I don’t think they should be expressed on this forum. Also, I don’t want to hold myself out as having any expertise.

You need to get some advice from a qualified person who has expertise in human sexuality and with whom you can have a frank conversation.
 
40.png
Pug:
Yes, all men are uncomfortable in the presence of knickknacks! Even better, put out waterford crystal dishes with stale nuts and bad tasting chocolates. Buy a case of Hummels and put out potpuri. Put lace doilies on the chair arms, etc. He’ll be positively afraid to enter the room.😃
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
 
his response and attitude about this pornography problem show the depth of its influence on him. It is as great a danger to your marriage as if you had discovered his girlfriend whom he was using for similar reasons. This is a very deeply rooted psychological and spiritual problem and he desperately needs counselling, and so do you if you intend to try and save the marriage. Please see your pastor for a referral asap. we are all praying for you both.
 
I hope this helps:

I also just got married (about four weeks ago) and am having to get used to living with somebody (and her dog - I’m not a big dog person).

How long did you date before getting married? Do you pray together? Maybe having a specific time for prayer would help. You could ask the Holy Family for guidance. Perhaps making an appointment with you parish priest.

Also - he might be addicted to porn - and might need counseling. As a male - I can see how porn can get addicting…errr…not that I would know.
 
40.png
OriginalJS:
Sounds to me like your husband is terribly sexually frustrated and is acting out. Instead of fighting and bolting doors you two should be enjoying the marital bed, especially in the first few months!

I have some suggestions but I don’t think they should be expressed on this forum. Also, I don’t want to hold myself out as having any expertise.

You need to get some advice from a qualified person who has expertise in human sexuality and with whom you can have a frank conversation.
I couldn’t disagree more with this post. When people view pornography, it is usually not because their relationship with their wife is lacking. Pornography dilutes the mind and hardens the soul; for men it can warp their view of women into having this image of “the perfect, sexy, flawless female” - and what wife anywhere can compare to that? Besides that, pornography teaches men to objectify women; that they are there for men’s personal pleasure. If that’s not a red flag for a spouse and commitment, I don’t know what is. See this article for reference:
dads.org/article.asp?artId=234

Pornography is much more about lust and addiction than being sexually frustrated. It’s simply wrong for you to assume that this wife is not fulfilling her husband, and that is what’s driving him to porn.

And even is he is sexually frustrated, that is no excuse for him to not only view porn but continue doing it even when confronted. He was called to chastity before marriage; he’s called to chastity within marriage.

To the OP - if your husband could see that porn is wrong, there are terrific organizations out there to help men win the battle with God’s grace. St. Joseph’s Covenant Keepers is a great organization. A terrific book is “Every Man’s Battle.” Pray, pray and pray some more for your husband. Keep him accountable but show him mercy if he’s willing to repent and try to change his mindset.
 
Here is my two cents worth:

Pray to the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance for yourself and for your husband. Not only invoke the Holy Spirit, but also Mary, and all the Saints. And your and his Guardian Angels.

If at all possible, go to daily Mass.

Keep a rosary in your bag or in your pocket and every time you see it or feel it, say a few Hail Marys. Meditate on the life of Jesus. When you walk, visualize Jesus walking with you and discuss your situation with Him.

Yeah, marriage counseling… but the things listed above are free and can impact your husband as well as yourself.
 
40.png
dulcissima:
It sounds like Antonius was suggesting something concrete, like seeking professional help, not just wishing the problem away by being “loving” as you had suggested.
If going to a professional is the solution, why post the problem here?
40.png
dulcissima:
Both parties did make marriage vows. Apparently her husband didn’t mean them. This is serious. If that is the case, then they do not have a valid marriage. She can be the sweetest, most forgiving, self-sacrificing woman in the world, but if her husband didn’t mean what he said when he took his vows, she will never have a real marriage. Two people are required for that.
So you advise her to bail out now? Walk out on him and try for an anullment?
40.png
dulcissima:
I am sure in 40 years of marriage, you were not the only one trying to make it work.
The trick is for both parties to assume they ARE the only one trying to make it work – and do it with love.
40.png
dulcissima:
A good husband should use Christ as a model. Just because he can’t BE Christ, does not mean he doesn’t have to try.
Once again, a strategy that demands one partner try to be Christ-like is doomed to fail.
 
So you advise her to bail out now? Walk out on him and try for an anullment?

*Vern- This situation sounds like a prelude to domestic violence, and this man is showing *every *signal of it. No one has suggested that she run out and get a divorce, but surely, she is entitled to remover herself from the battle zone in order to clear her head and think. His reaction to this could help her decide her next move. In the meantime, she will be able to avoid a lifetime of unhappiness and most of all *children whom she would risk subjecting to the same treatment. *Neither Christ, nor the Church, asks anyone to subject themselves to being abused within the contex of marriage, nor to willingly bring children into a situation where they might be mistreated or misled into a life of sin. Come on- didn’t you see the unhappiness in that other post from the woman whose marriage has been like a *sentance *instead of a partnership.

PS I would like to jear your answer if the shoe was on the other foot and your wife had shamed you mercilessly for all the years of your marriage.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top