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Keeping your wife/partner happy (it's easy...)
It is a well-researched fact that mining wives do not nag. True, they might offer constructive criticism from time to time, or perhaps ask for the odd job to be done around the house. But on the whole they're a fairly easy-going lot. Blokes, to make life even sweeter, here are MiningFM's top 10 tips for mining wife management.
1. Ask her to write a list of the things she needs you to fix or do while you’re home. Then, hopefully, you’ll be able to do them in your own time, without her having to nag you.
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Miner Dugald would like to add another tip for keeping your wife/partner happy... "When you're at work, ring up every night and talk to your partner (and kids). Be the one to ring up first, to let them know that you are missing them and to make them feel wanted and loved. Ask how her day went with the kids if she's a stay-at-home mum, or about work if she's working. The most important point I need to make here is that you must be a very good listener and have a very sympathetic ear. Let them unload their problems of the day on to you so they can get it off their chest, and offer simple reassurances that things will be alright. (Telling her to just to deal with it will earn you a night the dog kennel when you get home, or worse still another place to stay for good!) My wife has a very stressful job and at the same time is looking after our two kids (aged 6 and 8). I know she'll usually find a solution to a problem if she just talks with someone who will listen - I don’t even have to suggest the solution. At times she will curse you for being away (I have at times had the phone at arm's length from my ear.) Don’t get angry, just reassure them that you will be home soon, and if she is stressing about something she is not able to get done around the house, let her know that you will do it when you get home and not to worry about it." |
2. Try to remain as accessible as possible while you are at work. This can be difficult, but keeping in regular contact with phone calls or little emails makes a big difference.
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WA-based group offering 8am to 8pm helpline, workshops for dads & mums (including working away) and individual consultations