This hubby doesn't deserve wife's silent treatment

D

EAR ABBY

: I have been married to my wife for a year and a half, and we have an infant child. I work while my wife stays home. My problem is she doesn't like me playing sports and hanging out with friends.

I have tried to make concessions and cut down playing sports to once a week. (I used to play two or three times a week, but that's not good enough for my wife.) On game night, when I get home she gives me the silent treatment. She used to come to my games but won't now, even though she has girlfriends who attend them.

As for hanging out with my friends, I barely see them anymore - and when I do, they come here. If they stay any longer than 30 minutes, it causes a problem and my wife again won't talk to me for the rest of the night.

I have tried to compromise, but she feels as though any time I spend away from her and the baby is a no-no. Am I wrong to want to play sports and see my guy friends? I have tried talking to her about this, but she thinks any compromise is basically me doing what I want and her having to deal with it.

- Ontario, Canada, Reader

DEAR READER: You should not become a couch potato or become isolated from your friends because you are married and a parent. And neither should your wife. She may resent the time you spend with your friends because she's stuck at home taking care of the baby. You are her only adult company, and in a way she may be jealous that you're enjoying freedom that she can't.

Your wife should not be doing all the parenting. One day or evening a week you should take care of the baby while she takes a break with her friends or family. It could do wonders for your relationship.

If you can agree on this, it could save your marriage. If you can't, then the two of you should get counseling. Marriage isn't supposed to put people in isolation - and that's what it appears your wife is trying to accomplish with you.