Many marriages have been broken up because the wife did not realize the power of her tongue.  Many years ago, a famous advice columnist wrote,  “A man considers being nagged worse than being nibbled to death by a duck.”  This is still true today. Nagging shows disrespect and can drive your husband right out the door.  Most men will avoid a nagging tongue at all costs. He may work overtime or hang out with his co-workers or take up a new hobby that keeps him away from home or he may be drawn to another woman who appreciates him for who he is.

I had to learn that even though I was only trying to make sure my husband did not forget what I asked him to do, the minute I repeated my request, he considered it to be nagging.

Complaining, criticizing, faultfinding, asking him to do something and repeatedly reminding him, or dropping hints of things you think he should do are all forms of negative communication.

Whether you are repeatedly asking him to quit eating so much junk food, or to go to church with you or to be nice to his mother-it has the effect of making him not want to be around you.

Decide today that you will not use this negative way of communicating.  Telling your husband what to do does not make a healthy marriage. It puts you in the role of being his mother and it quenches any romantic feelings he has towards you.  It is not always easy to refrain from nagging but it may cause your husband to want to spend more time with you.

Because women generally get their fulfillment in life from being in relationships, they may take it personally when their man seems to prefer to work rather that spending time with them.

Your man wants to succeed and get things done. It feels good to him when he lands an important contract or solves problems.  Even if he is at a job he does not like, it gives him satisfaction to provide a good living for his family.

If you have a husband who wants to accomplish great things, rejoice. God made him that way.

If you feel like he is neglecting his family, encourage him to spend more time at home by making it as pleasant as possible. Make your home a happy, enjoyable environment that he looks forward to coming back to.

Understanding the differences between men and women will make it easier for you to work with your husband’s drive to succeed rather than against it.  Don’t take it personally or try to stop him, rather, celebrate him and when he does come home, make him glad to be there.