It sounds as if you've struggled with disrespect for quite some time. Do you have this type of problem with anyone else.......like, co-workers or family members (other than your W)? Verbal disrespect comes in all shapes & sizes. For example, let's say you are at the workplace, and a co-worker makes a jab at you. If you happen to react with a little anger, then the offender tells you to loosen up and that it was just a joke. Here's what I notice. It's usually the same offender that takes every opportunity to make a jab. It gets really old, and can make you dread going to work, or wherever it happens. That's why it is comparable to a schoolyard bully, IMHO. When it gets bad enough, it makes your life miserable.
Some people are gifted with a quick comeback that can put the offender in his/her place, but then some people don't know what to say or do........until later when thinking it over for the ninety-ninth time.
Confidence is key! If you have a lot of male confidence, others can tell, just by the way you walk, talk, etc. Male confidence is the number one trait that attracts women (so I've read). When dealing with verbal disrespect from your W, it's important to draw all you can from that confidence, b/c when you need to be firm.........you'll need to appear as a man of strength/courage.
It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!
