Wife’s daily anger a real problem

Dear Annie: I’ve been married for 20 years, but I have a situation at home and don’t know what to do anymore.

My wife gets angry over little things on a daily basis. She is constantly upset about things people do or don’t do. If a child eats a cookie, she will throw a fit and then get mad at everyone else in the household. She will sulk and give everyone the silent treatment, and if you attempt to talk things over, she will walk away or leave the house.

Her anger used to appear every few days, but now it’s multiple times morning and night. She is seeing a therapist, but she tells him it’s everyone else’s fault – her parents didn’t bring her up right, her friends aren’t supportive enough, her kids don’t behave, etc., etc.

We saw a marriage counselor, but she got angry with him for asking too many questions. Then she got mad at me for seeing the counselor on my own. I’ve often thought of leaving, but my parents divorced, and I can’t do that to my kids.

My wife and I are both in our early 50s, but her temper tantrums affect everything in our marriage, including intimacy. I’ve lost interest. What can I do? – Tired of Living with Silent Bob

Dear Tired: Until your wife recognizes that she has a problem, she cannot work on making it better. Many women struggle with hormonal imbalances during menopause, making it harder to control existing emotional issues. This could be why your wife’s anger has gotten worse. Go back to your counselor and ask for help communicating with her. She has to understand that her marriage is at stake.