My wife usually wants to make a big deal out of Father’s Day. We have my two siblings and their adult children over, as well as ours. She plans a big cookout (I’m the grill master) and lawn games that last way into the evening. By the time people leave, I’m exhausted and don’t necessarily feel appreciated as a dad. I know she means well, but I don’t know how to tell her it’s too much and that it actually ruins Father’s Day for me. Any advice?
As difficult as it might be for you to tell your wife how you really feel, it’s the best thing you can do to take care of yourself. And, who knows, maybe by telling her how you feel and what you’d like to have happen on Father’s Day, it might be a relief for her.
I recommend you write yourself a list of things that would make you feel honored and respected as a dad and talk to your wife about it. If sitting on a lawn chair with lemonade or a beer while listening to a baseball game is the only thing you want, then speak up. Your wife isn’t a mind-reader but clearly wants to put effort into the day for you. By clarifying what you would like to have happen this year, you may change your Father’s Days in the future.
Do you have sensitive issues in your relationships that you need help with? Ask Coach Kathy about it. Submit your question to Coach Kathy using the form below:
Leave a Reply