I generally practice not talking about my work too much either. I will discuss it at times, mention neutral topics or the like, but I have always understood that men should leave the office at the office.
I'm curious what led you to this understanding.
Bringing it home opens up too much possibility to drag in all the negative crap that can occur.
What kind of negative crap?
Then after a while the wife can feel like she is only there as a punching bag or something. At some point the feeling of validation and being included starts to wear off for her and changes to feeling like she is an emotional dumping ground (she gets enough of this from the kids).
Has she actually told you that she feels this way or are you assuming based on her behavior?
I think a lot of men understand this dynamic and therefore try to keep the office at the office.
Why is this dynamic so negative, something to be avoided?
I also think that most women do NOT understand this.
You're probably right. I don't understand it. That's why I'm asking these questions.
My wife talks incessantly to anyone who will listen about all the crap at her school. I will listen for a while, but honestly it’s like a bottomless pit and a one way conversation. She does not want to hear my opinions or advice, so there is little more I can do but listen to something that is boring to me and frustrating too.
I think I talked incessantly about all the crap at my WOH job. It was a one-way conversation much of the time. All I wanted was for someone to listen to me. I didn't want opinions or advice either, usually. I just wanted someone (cac) to listen to me. I think this is common for many women, and something that, at the risk of making a generalization, many men don't understand. Why is it boring and frustrating to listen to your wife?
