[AppyPappy]

You don't understand. A man has to give up his life for the marriage. That means he doesn't buy a bass boat instead of school supplies just because he wants a bass boat. He doesn't spend nights and weekends working on his race car instead of spending time with his wife and family. He doesn't hang out with his crumb bachelor friends so they won't accuse him of being "whipped". That's what we did as bachelors. That behavior has to die.

Men have a VERY hard time with this. They think their pride should come before the marriage. The man should emulate what Christ did for the church. Jesus didn't exactly give up a night of bowling for the church.

[apackof2]

Very well said

[freeeee]

That behavior has to die.

I see your point.

But I have seen a repeated pattern among my peers of wives dominating a marriage. They behave one way, then when the ring goes on, they turn and suddenly think they are wearing a crown. This isn't just the old fashioned "whipped" complaint.

The level of domineering I've witnessed in younger brides, time and again, dwarves that of years gone by. I've seen it too many times for it to just be coincidence. I think its a byproduct of entitled feminism coupled with inequitible divorce laws.

Too many women abuse the trust given by the liability incurred by a marriage license. And when a man just can't take anymore, she gets the golden parachute. Then she repeates the process. Why shouldn't she? It was profitible the first time...

This doesn't apply to all women of course. But it is a notable trend.

[Hatteras]

"You don't understand. A man has to give up his life for the marriage."

Almost agree... A man has to give up his life for the kids. Slight difference. A marriage can be fine and you can keep the boat and toys and you and the wife hit the town at night and run off for the weekend to the beach and she's your partner, lover and drinking buddy. But, when the kids arrive, she becomes your wife and you become her husband and she is the mother and you are the father. Now, the toys are sold in favor of college funds and baby room furniture, school supplies, etc...

But, there is good news... The kids grow up (take plenty of pictures because it goes by fast) and will soon be moving out and the weekend runs to the beach will start anew. AAAAND (if your lucky).... Just between me, you and the lamp post.....the wife still harbors a little guilt about you selling your boat years ago...

[TAdams8591]

"You don't understand. A man has to give up his life for the marriage. That means he doesn't buy a bass boat instead of school supplies just because he wants a bass boat. He doesn't spend nights and weekends working on his race car instead of spending time with his wife and family. He doesn't hang out with his crumb bachelor friends so they won't accuse him of being "whipped". That's what we did as bachelors. That behavior has to die."

The same it true of women. They give up buying clothes, shoes, cute little sports cars, taking fun vacations and hanging out with their girlfriends. It's no different for women in that regard.

[Lazamataz]

You don't understand. A man has to give up his life for the marriage. That means he doesn't buy a bass boat instead of school supplies just because he wants a bass boat. He doesn't spend nights and weekends working on his race car instead of spending time with his wife and family. He doesn't hang out with his crumb bachelor friends so they won't accuse him of being "whipped". That's what we did as bachelors. That behavior has to die.

I sold my soul for rock-n-roll.

[grellis]

I do understand what you're saying, but I stand by my assertion: That's a small percentage of men (or I am blessed with knowing the kind of men that I do). I think any man--or woman, for that matter--that gives up ALL of their interests as soon as the vows have been uttered is dooming their marriage. That's not sacrifice--that's a breeding ground for failure. Poker night with the guys isn't a bad thing, as long as it is not every single night (and what kind of guy plays poker every night? Not the kind who is overly interested in marriage). I think our difference of opinion comes from what I see as giving something up--if you get something wonderful in return, and you don't miss what you no longer have, has it really been sacrificed? Or has it, instead, evolved into something more meaningful?

I've got a 3-year old here who wants to go on a chestnut hunt, so I'm off for a spell. Enjoy this lovely autumn weather, everyone!

[Pukin Dog]

That means he doesn't buy a bass boat instead of school supplies just because he wants a bass boat.

Huh? Well then forget it!