Why do guys always think that the "simple, working stiff" archetype is enough to keep a relationship going?
So, you work long hours. That entitles you to a paycheck. What do you do to make sure you have a wife or girlfriend who is waiting eagerly for you to get home at the end of the day?
Honestly, guys, even a houseplant couldn't survive on what you are contributing to relationships anymore.
Quoting: Anonymous Coward 18835047 OP was a joke, but I think this is a good point.
I am the sole provider of income for my family (her choice). I work 10 h per day out of financial necessity. Daily commuting takes two more hours. In other words, I'm away from home and my wife for 12 h/day.
I love her, I regularly talk with her, cuddle with her and think in advance of things to do together in the evenings. She's not complaining about that. She's complaining about all the hours I am away. However, at the same time she's not happy about our financial situation. We cope, but we don't have any monthly surplus even after we've cut most of the unnecessary stuff out of our lives. I even stopped wearing contact lenses to save 80 € every six months.
It's impossible to both cut my working hours and get more money. On a rational level she understands it, but she is still upset about me being away for 10 h/day and not bringing in enough money. Her main argument seems to be that I am reluctant to go straight from work to visiting (her) friends or travel all weekend.
She's home all day, but I work all day, so is it surprising that I'm rarely in the mood to go out dancing, visiting friends or traveling after I get home.
Paycheck earns us money, but it should also earn me some time to relax and enjoy my hobbies. I'm an introvert, so seeing people is not relaxing. On the contrary, it eats away all the little remaining energy I have left after a day at the office.
