'My husband does not listen to me...'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
My relationship with my husband has hit rock bottom. We have been married for two years and I feel like he just doesn't listen to me anymore. It is as if he is wearing ear plugs and wants me out of his life. This makes me feel miserable. When he's at work, I spend the day doing household chores and cooking his favourite stuff so that we can sit down, chat and eat. But once he returns, he just parks himself in front of the TV and the only conversation is about when to serve him food. This makes me feel even more miserable. I have tried to have a conversation with him about how difficult he is, but he will not listen. How do I knock sense into his head?
- Tarini


Illustration/Amit Bandre

Dear Tarini,
Either your husband does not realise the misery he is causing you or he seems to be on some trip to make you feel unwanted. You need to explain to him how you feel when he is around. Tell him frankly how irritated and annoyed his behaviour makes you. You might be looking forward to his coming back from work, but he would rather station himself in front of the TV the entire evening. He could be tired or have had a hard day at work, but he needs to tell you. That he is not speaking is strange. There is no communication happening between you two and this is causing a rift. Tell him you need to talk about your day, discuss things that are bothering you and what is playing on your mind. He cannot be so irresponsible and lethargic. Tell him that if he continues to not communicate with you then it's going to destroy the marriage.