“Middle age is a practice as well as a reexamination of the past.” This sentence aptly describes the psychological state of middle-aged people. At this stage, men and women are striving forward in their own worlds, occasional friction and misunderstandings, like meteors occasionally streaking across the night sky, brief but thought-provoking. So, at the moment of middle age, what are the undisclosed “discontents” that men may have towards their wives? Perhaps, this is not just dissatisfaction with the external, but also a reflection of the unfulfilled desires and expectations deep within.
1. Mr. Li: Sloppy appearance, lack of grooming
“Time is a butcher’s knife, every cut hastens aging.” Mr. Li sighed softly, a hint of subtle helplessness flickering in his eyes. He said the most “discontent” he feels is his wife’s gradual relaxation in managing her self-image. The woman who once loved wearing new clothes and had exquisite makeup now often dresses casually, sometimes not even bothering to comb her hair. Mr. Li knows deeply that this is a natural response under life’s pressures, but there remains an indescribable sense of loss in his heart. “Beauty is a lifelong pursuit for women,” he quoted an old saying, secretly hoping that his wife, amidst her busyness, could also retain a pursuit and insistence on beauty for herself.
2. Mr. Peng: Too dependent on me, lacks initiative
“An independent woman is the most beautiful.” Mr. Peng’s words carry a hint of contemplation. In his view, with the passage of years, he increasingly hopes his wife can be a partner with her own thoughts and opinions, not just someone who depends on him. Whenever every little household affair requires his input, even trivial choices, and his wife always seeks his opinion, Mr. Peng feels a kind of inexplicable pressure. “I am not your entire world; you should have your own sky.” Borrowing a classic line from “Jane Eyre,” he expressed his desire for his wife’s independence. He hopes his wife can face life more confidently, stand by his side, rather than always hiding in his shadow.
3. Mr. Gu: Bad temper, lack of communication
“Communication is the bridge of the soul, and understanding is the traveler on the bridge.” Mr. Gu’s words reveal a hint of weariness. He said, at middle age, with heavy work pressure and significant family responsibilities, the most yearned for is a warm and harmonious family environment. However, his wife’s temper has become a stumbling block in his heart. Whenever he tries to share his work troubles or family trivialities with her, what often awaits him is endless accusations and complaints. “Home should be a haven, not a battlefield.” Mr. Gu quoted a saying, expressing his expectation for the family atmosphere. He yearns for peaceful communication with his wife, to face life’s storms together peacefully, instead of depleting each other’s emotions in endless quarrels.
At middle age, behind men’s “discontents,” often lie deeper expectations and desires for marriage. They hope their wives can maintain their individuality, possess independent thoughts and pursuits; they yearn for equal and profound communication, sharing the weight of life together; they look forward to a warm embrace, a gentle word as solace amidst busyness and exhaustion. Marriage is indeed a long practice that requires constant adjustment and understanding from both sides. May every couple entering middle age find their balance point on this journey, hand in hand through every season.
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