[cheez]

It's the reality of the situation. Unemployed men or men who earn less than their wives are more likely to be divorced. He needs to manage the situation with his wife carefully. Don't show her that you are worried. Don't share your problems with her.

[krichman]

That's so cynical that it looks sarcastic.

Isn't it far more likely to get a divorce if you are refusing to discuss problems with her? Holy hell. If this is what your relationships are like, you might want to look for different partners.

Thanks for making me appreciate my wife that much more.

[cheez]

Facts are not cynical:

http://healthland.time.com/2011/07/11/unemployed-men-are-mor...

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/women_divorce_cur_SfyE...

I know there are women out there who would not dump their husband like this. One of my friends who has been with his wife since they were in high school went through a very tough 5 years in his business while trying to make it. He lost hundreds of thousands of dollars which he never made back. His wife stuck by him the whole time and even helped him out. They just had their first child.

You are right that the quality of partner is what matters the most. I suspect HNers on average choose a more morally upright class of women, however, I would still counsel anyone to be cautious about appearing worried to their wives.

Me though... I like firecrackers. Will never marry.

[t0mas88]

Wow... you're not serious right? What basis for a relationship is "don't share your problems with her", that's just crazy.

[cheez]

If you do not appear in control of the situation, she will lose attraction to you very quickly.

Patrick's response is the correct response: shit happened, deal with it. Some men will respond with emotion and helplessness. And surely when things are out of your control, you should. But the woman in your life who depends on you does not want to hear that her rock is going to be broken.