Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your insightful observation of a family that loves each other. Kind regards,
From your account, it is evident that you value your loved one and family highly and have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting them. However, despite your best efforts, reality has presented challenges. The olive branch you extended has not provided the level of support you had hoped for, leading to feelings of frustration and a sense of powerlessness.
It would be beneficial to view your loved one from a woman's perspective. She has experienced ten months of pregnancy and has transitioned from her role as a woman and wife to that of a mother. It is evident that your loved one is not adequately prepared for this change. This can be seen from your brief description of your loved one's relationship with her mother.
When women become mothers, if the child is well-behaved and obedient and has a relatively high degree of affinity with us, we will generally be able to adapt to the hormonal changes and our new identity, including the adjustment period with the child, and enter a new stage of family development.
In addition to the challenges posed by the epidemic, the work your loved one is engaged in will add a significant number of trivial tasks to their daily workload. The requirements for prevention and control in schools are even higher. As a frontline teacher, her pressure is understandable. When she is unable to devote herself fully to her children, it activates a range of emotions, including anger and accusations towards her own mother for not being able to love her properly. As daughters, it is challenging for us to accept that we have these emotions towards our parents. She may therefore transform this part into self-attack, worrying about her competence in her role as a mother.
In such emotionally charged situations, our inner selves may regress in an attempt to escape the pressure and challenges we are unable or unwilling to address. Your loved one has regressed to a childlike state, and she is seeking to be seen and cared for by those she perceives as her "parents."
From a male perspective, when a loved one sends out a distress signal, a man's thinking will automatically enter a state of problem solving, and he will provide explanations, methods, and reasons. This is not an incorrect approach, and it is important to recognize the differences between men and women.
Therefore, when the questioner provides expressions of love and support according to your own model, you may perceive them as ineffective and even accused of lacking understanding and love for your loved one. I believe you may also feel aggrieved.
When a woman is seeking support from her husband, it is beneficial to offer a hug, listen to her concerns, and reassure her that she is not alone. This approach can facilitate more effective support. It is important to note that this does not replace the role of a husband but rather enhances it by treating the woman like a daughter or a close friend.
It is advisable to avoid recommending a counselor at this time. Doing so may lead to the perception that you are treating her like a burden and are reluctant to provide care. In this situation, she may view you as her primary source of support, akin to a parent. If you suggest seeking alternative resources, it could create a sense of abandonment. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize your own time and engage in activities that you enjoy, such as dates, dining out, or movies. Reflecting on these experiences and sharing them with your partner can also be beneficial. Attempting this once a week is a good starting point.
This approach allows us to meet our loved one's need for recognition and appreciation.
It would also be beneficial to encourage and recognize her more. Given her background in psychology, she has a solid foundation for this.
We can assist her by seeking her input, answering her questions, and helping her develop a sense of self-worth, thereby gradually stabilizing her sense of security and worth.
Your loved one is currently experiencing a temporary emotional state, which requires us to provide additional support to ensure a smooth transition. Trust her and trust yourself, and you can navigate this period successfully.
I would like to remind you in particular that as a man, you are under significant pressure at work and in your role as a caregiver to your partner and children, as well as in your need to balance all the relationships. Therefore, I advise you to set aside time for yourself, and you can choose a specific day of the week and a certain time of day, and inform your family that you require this time to relax (this method also applies to your partner).
This allows family members to assist in setting aside time for rest and relaxation. It is important to note that this does not constitute selfish behavior.
By maintaining stability, you can provide greater support to your family. Therefore, occasional rest periods are essential and beneficial.
In conclusion, it is important to strike a balance between loving our families and taking care of ourselves.


Comments
I can see how challenging this time must be for both of you. It sounds like your wife is feeling overwhelmed and undervalued. I think it's important to just listen to her without trying to fix things right away. She might need someone to understand her feelings before anything else. Maybe we could spend some quality time together as a family, doing something she enjoys, so she can feel more appreciated and less stressed.
It must be incredibly tough watching your wife struggle with these feelings. Validating her emotions and acknowledging the hard work she puts in daily could make a big difference. Perhaps suggesting a break or a hobby that she once loved might help her reconnect with herself. Also, ensuring she knows that you're there for her, not just as someone who wants to solve problems but as a supportive partner, could ease some of her burdens.
Your wife's experience sounds very emotionally taxing. Sometimes just being there and offering words of encouragement can be the best support. It might also help if you two could establish a routine that allows her more time to relax and focus on her own needs. Reassuring her that you care about her wellbeing as much as you do the baby's, and finding ways to show that through actions, might help her feel less isolated and more supported.