Marriage is an enlightening experience, that’s for sure.
The longer you spend with someone, the more you realise parts of their personality and behaviours they have that you were never aware of before, and some of them are a bit… questionable. And while you have to give your spouse room to be who they are without judgement or commentary, there are certain things no wife ever wants to see her husband doing.
1. Flirting with other women
If your husband is winking at the bartender or being overly friendly with a colleague, it’s more than just annoying—it feels downright disrespectful. Even if he claims it’s “harmless”, it’s hard to ignore how inconsiderate it comes across. This behaviour can easily cause tension and leave any wife feeling unimportant.
2. Picking his nose in public
It’s one of those things you wish you’d never have to witness, especially in public. Seeing your husband go to town on his nose is mortifying and hard to ignore. It’s the kind of thing that can make you seriously consider pretending you don’t know him.
3. Mansplaining her own job to her
Explaining your wife’s own job to her? Bad move. It not only shows a lack of respect for her experience, but it also gives off a major “I know better than you” vibe. Even if it’s unintentional, it comes across as patronising and can quickly turn a conversation sour.
4. Ignoring the kids when they clearly need attention
Watching your husband glued to his phone while the kids are begging for attention is frustrating. It’s not just about stepping up as a parent—it’s about being present for the family. When this happens, it can leave his wife feeling like she’s the only one actually raising the kids.
5. Drunk texting his ex
Drunkenly messaging an ex? It doesn’t matter how innocent he says it was—it’s disrespectful and can make any wife question the trust in the relationship. This kind of behaviour instantly raises suspicions and creates tension that’s hard to shake.
6. Lying to her face
Being lied to, no matter how small the lie, hurts. It’s not just the fib itself, it’s the fact that he thought he could get away with it. Lies chip away at trust, and no relationship can survive without it. Once trust is broken, it’s hard to rebuild.
7. Checking out other women obviously
There’s a difference between a casual glance and full-on staring at other women. When it’s obvious, it’s hurtful and disrespectful. It can leave a wife feeling like she’s second-best, and no one wants to feel invisible to their own partner.
8. Spending money recklessly without discussing it
Making big purchases without talking about it first? It’s not just irresponsible, it feels like a betrayal of trust. When you’re in a partnership, big financial decisions should be a joint conversation, not a solo splurge.
9. Belittling her in front of other people (or at all!)
If your husband’s cracking jokes at your expense in front of other people, it’s humiliating, plain and simple. It’s not playful, it’s hurtful, and it can damage the respect in your relationship. A real partner has your back, not making you the punchline.
10. Snooping through her phone or personal belongings
If you catch your husband going through your phone or belongings, it feels like a total breach of privacy. Trust goes both ways, and when it’s broken like this, it can make you feel like you’re living with someone who doesn’t respect your boundaries.
11. Ignoring her when she’s talking
If he’s constantly tuned out or more interested in his phone while you’re talking, it feels like you’re talking to a wall. No one wants to feel ignored by their own partner. It’s disrespectful and can make you feel like your thoughts and opinions don’t matter.
12. Being rude to service staff
Watching your husband be rude to a waiter or shop assistant isn’t just awkward—it’s embarrassing. If he’s willing to disrespect strangers so openly, it makes you wonder how he views other people when no one’s watching. It says a lot about character.
13. Letting himself go completely
Source: Unsplash No one expects perfection, but when your husband stops caring about his appearance altogether, it can feel like he’s stopped caring about your relationship too. It’s not just about looks—it’s about effort, and if he’s not putting any in, it’s disheartening.
14. Comparing her unfavourably to other women
Nothing stings more than being compared to another woman in a negative light. Whether it’s looks or abilities, hearing your husband point out where you don’t “measure up” is just plain hurtful. It’s not motivational, it’s damaging.
15. Throwing her under the bus with the in-laws
If your husband sides with his parents against you or airs your dirty laundry in front of them, it’s a massive betrayal. You expect your partner to have your back, especially in tricky family situations, not gang up on you.
16. Forgetting important dates
It’s not just a simple mistake when he forgets your birthday or anniversary—it feels like a sign that he’s not paying attention or doesn’t care enough to remember. Constantly forgetting these moments can leave you feeling like you’re not a priority in his life.
17. Making big decisions without consulting her
When your husband makes major decisions without even talking to you first, it feels like you’ve been sidelined in your own relationship. Marriage is supposed to be a partnership, and making big choices solo is a sign of disrespect.
18. Dismissing her feelings or concerns
When you bring up something that’s bothering you, and he brushes it off like it’s no big deal, it feels invalidating. Dismissing your feelings is not only frustrating, but also shuts down the chance for meaningful communication and problem-solving.
19. Prioritising friends over family consistently
It’s totally normal for him to want time with his mates, but if he’s always choosing them over family time, it hurts. You and the kids shouldn’t feel like second-best, and constantly missing out on family moments sends the wrong message.
20. Being glued to his phone 24/7
If your husband can’t put his phone down, even during family time or date nights, it makes you feel like you’re competing with a screen for his attention. It’s not just frustrating, it’s hurtful. Everyone deserves their partner’s full attention sometimes.
21. Refusing to admit when he’s wrong
No one’s perfect, but refusing to own up when he’s made a mistake is just immature. Admitting fault and apologising is part of any healthy relationship. If he can’t do that, it’s like he’s putting his pride above your feelings.
