a heart to heart talk is always best... wish my hubby was able to speak freely... we'd not be in this mess if he could/would speak freely about problems that we have...
but yes let her vent if she needs to... simply hold her & let her talk... ask her questions if you think that she's not letting it all out...
another thought that came to mind but i didn't post a reply to... you mentioned that she'd gotten a little frisky on the night that you played bad cop & she was the good cop with the teens... teens take alot out of a mom & i know that i really apprecitaed when my hubby came home & would take over giving me a break from the teen BS... can you try to take over & handle the household a bit more when you get out of work? it could be that your wife is simply worn out from the teen soap opera that goes on durig the day while you are at work...