Happy wife happy life is a really toxic saying. I’m just shocked how this has become the standard saying for men in relationships. I have friends of mine saying this all the time, and I have just thought it’s so cringe and always want to say my thoughts on it but always decide to hold back. However, imagine the saying reversed - happy husband happy life - that would lead to all kinds of uproar. To me happy wife happy life means I need to sacrifice my wants and needs to make my wife happy.

likefunnysmarthelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

Some context might help. When a guy says “happy wife, happy life” it’s caveated on the fact that he already found the perfect wife for him. She already makes him happy, and probably does things (intentionally or otherwise) that she doesn’t have to that makes him happy. “Happy wife, happy life” is just a reminder to himself not to take her for granted.

Let me ask you this: What would you be saying if you had a wife who is a 9/10, great in bed, a good parent to your kids and pets, amazing cook, plans time for your games and your family, and earns 300k+? You don’t think a happy her = a happy life?

likeupliftingsmartfunny

Counsel 1 - Good for you man! That's so awesome :)
Spencer Hill is the largest publishing house of adult romantic novels in US...haha. I was made to read one of those and learned they are super popular among women

likesmart

Well….

“Happy husband, happy life” doesn’t rhyme so…

likefunnysmarthelpful

Happy hubby, cut his balls off!! ☠️

Recent IconRecent

Idk man to me “happy wife happy life” is usually within the context of picking your battles or making accommodations to make your partner happy even though it might not be something that’s important to you. My wife is really type A and stresses about things that just wouldn’t bother me at all - but I make a point to address those things and make sure she’s happy because when she’s happy, I’m happy. I think you might be overthinking the expression and interpreting it as someone have their husbands balls in a vice. In my experience, one of the biggest parts of marriage is anticipating needs, accommodating them, and compromising when you can - and knowing that they do the same in return.

like

Bingo. I don’t care what color the office is painted, but if she thinks it should change then it will change. Takes very little time out of my day and happy wife happy life

like

Found the single guy!

funnylikesmart

No need 2 cringe at faaaaaaacts
Y shock tho?
Line got good flow off tongue (funn 2 share)
+ true enuff dat masses find it relatable (human connection)
It 2023 u can create ur own line n share if u want
Mayb "dats mai hub, wut a dub🙌🏻"
Neways cheer up mate 🐣

likefunny

SE1 - maybe they're quiet quitting

funny

I cringe at it because it reeks of weaponized incompetence. Women are positioned as naggy dictatos when really they are more often still the over-functioners (doing more housework and child-rearing) in their relationships with men who won't do something until they ask. In popular culture, "happy wife, happy life" is usually said by an under-functioner man who just agrees with everything his wife says because he's not involved enough to be right most of the time anyway. I don't think this phrase would be as popular if there was more balance in heterosexual relationships

likesmartfunny

So funny when something that is engaged or positive towards women is cringe. I don’t know if OP is F or M but the post reeks of double standard.

Tell me you’re single without telling me you’re single.

like

As an F I actually agree with OP. It’s a very old and dated saying, and if we’re as progressive as we claim to be these days it really should be frowned upon. If the saying were reversed people would be in an uproar. It implies giving into wife’s every demand, and marriage should be about compromise and mutual respect. If as Fs we expect that from the men, we should give that same back and not be hypocrites.

like

Agree that it is a dated saying.

I think the saying in the 60s and '70s might have been very useful, given the unequal power dynamic in relationships.

Now that the power dynamic is improving, we may want to relook at this phrase.

Another perspective, like someone mentioned above, the phrase is akin to 'pick your battles.' This applies to both genders. I wonder if it's something that women actively do and so it effectively balances things out without needing to change the saying.

like

You don’t need to sacrifice your wants, but you do need to compromise which it seems like you’re incapable of doing.

likehelpfulfunny

It’s a gimmicky saying that rhymes. It’s not that deep. In real life, more sacrifice is de facto expected from women, especially as wives and mothers, than is ever expected from men as husbands or fathers.

Idk if this is true or not but I have friends with unhappy wives and I can confirm that they do not have happy lives.

likefunny

As a husband I do sacrifice for the love of my life. What kind of an asshole would not. If you love her you should want to make her happy. She should also do things to make you happy.

like

I didn’t say sacrifice happiness. But take as you wish.

Are you able to be happy when you know your partner is not?

Or do you even have one?

likefunny

The phrase itself relies a lot in context.

In my case, I usually say it because I know my wife likes stuff that most people might find silly but is stuff or situation that makes me happy to provide because it makes her happy

Also, when she is in a bad mood or we're somewhere and she's not comfortable Im also not happy. Not pissed at her, but rather a natural feeling of unrest because who you love is not having a good time.

TL:DR Empathy bro

like

A better saying would be happy spouse happy house. That way it’s not all about the wife.

like

Agreed I live in a condo! OP needs to check their privilege!

funnylike

I love when people take a simple phrase like “happy wife happy life” and project all of their negativity onto it so that it means so much more than it actually does.

If your partner being happy means you have to sacrifice your wants and needs — then the problem is a lot bigger than a silly rhyme you’ve decided to take out of context.

like

If I may

Post Photo
like

👑

I've been following the 'No wife, no strife' path and gotta say, it's great 🫡

likefunny

Definitely

This is a true phrase though, what experience do you have, OP?

like

Not everything is as deep as you think. Read some of the other comments, most people just like it because it rhymes…

likefunnysmart

All the saying means is that you should pick your battles, and be mindful that a little give where it really doesn't matter in the long-term term can go a long way towards having a happy relationship.

I tend to be more selfish and "always right" than my wife, and when I focus on only what I want there is a ton more friction in our home.

like

I think you’re misunderstanding. First, being in a relationship with a person who is unhappy can have a very negative impact on your life. I was in a long term relationship with a person who had many emotional issues and it definitely made my life harder. I’m married now and my wife has a very positive outlook on life that has a tremendous uplift on my life and wellbeing. Second, I think this is an old saying so you need to take it with a grain of salt, but I do think it speaks to caring for your partner. Being a caring partner often ultimately ends be being care for your relationship and in some respects yourself.

like

The way I see it, we need two things
1. Need a rhythmic saying - can we do something with Hubby.
2. New wife for you.

like

Related Posts

During the pandemic I dove into my self care (found a therapist, learned I was having seizures and got on meds for that). My journey has been difficult and not pretty to watch. Somewhere along the line I feel like my fiancé saw too much. I no longer feel like romantic parters and instead feel like we have a “caretaker/patient” type relationship. I don’t feel sexy or attractive anymore. I talked to him about this and he feels bad. But I feel guilty for bringing it up. Anyone else had this issue?

like

I don’t understand how someone can lie about loving you for 6 months. We were together for almost a year (broke up a week before our anniversary). I said I love you first and he said it back. I asked for more reassurance last month with saying I love you more often. Now all of a sudden he said he didn’t know if he loved me and that love meant marriage for him. Okay well great thanks for telling me this now, 6 months after it was initially exchanged. I don’t understand how he could do that.

like

Is Argyle, TX good place to buy home and raise family?

like

How to politely tell my partner stop spending too much time on playing video games? It was my false at first. I introduced Zelda breathe of the wild to her and now, she is hooked. She even played game when we had the movie night. I chose the her movie style but she let me to watch it alone and silently turned on the game, and played it while pretended to watch the movie with me. That’s not fun at all. What should I do? Any advice please?

likefunny

How do I deal with minimal support from our principal when it comes to dealing with parents?

like

Opinions on career clerkships? Especially with a two year old and wanting another child eventually.

like

Happy pride month fam.

I’m a bit sad today. My gym crush forgot my name. I guess he’s not into me. 🥺😭

Post Photo
likefunny

I’m just kinda feeling lost, a bit like a failure , and maybe tired . I’m 30 f, single, moved to a new town, studying for the cpa, had falling out with the first two friends I made in new town, deeply missing my friends from back home, work has been a lot - job hopping . The partner was so excited and quick to give me an offer. I feel like I’m 💯 at this point just disappointing him. Idk what advice someone could give me , but has anyone else gone through “just surviving period”

likeupliftinghelpfulfunny

I am overly stressed that my parents are visiting and staying with me for 5 weeks. Paid them for a cruise but still have 4 weeks. I am dreaded to live with them 4 weeks without social engagement cont'

like

GF is 32 and I’m 28. She wants kids within 2 years, understandably. I never envisioned having kids that early (more like late 30s), but I like her a lot. Anyone else gone through something similar?

like

Where’s the best place to live if you’re looking to secure an entry-level position working in PE? Don't have a family, really kind of willing to try anywhere at this point.

like

Husband and I would love to have kids in soon, but we're both super dedicated to our careers. Have any of you stepped away from your career for a couple years to raise your kids? How did it go?

like

Moving to Chicago on Thursday! How do I like...make friends

likehelpful

Some days I feel like I’ll never be able to find love because I come from a complicated childhood, have a lot of problems and, I want someone who would understand me. But I don’t think I could ever open up to another person because it feels like I’m trauma-dumping despite this being a core part of my identity and I want them to know how I lived and survived til today. I feel like a nuisance

like

Would you marry someone if they had a lot of loans on their head?

likefunny

become an expert my friends

Post Photo
likesmart

Hello kindergarten teachers I have a question for those in the New York area. I have a son going into kindergarten in a few days. My question is what knowledge is he expected to walk in knowing?

Seeing local parents reacting to the public school lottery results in DC, got me super nervous about when it’s my kids turn.

I hate the idea of having so little control.

like

I don’t feel connected to my parents at all. After spending 15 years here, I am unable to connect to their extreme right nationalist views and the extra emphasis on the connection to our roots.

like

Potential unintended consequences of my parenting decisions is the most stressful thing ever.

The “right” approach can feel so clear one moment, then feel like a huge mistake the next.

like

More Posts

I'd like to buy, but the market is absolutely atrocious currently

like

If anyone wants to study for the CFE but doesn’t want to pay the full price for the study materials and would be interested to split it, please DM me

like

Any Amazon counsel or other FAANG attorneys willing to share how their comp review has worked? I’m really happy with my offer(lower base, really high signing bonus and decent RSUs) and was told their would be yearly comp reviews but wondering how that plays out the first few years...

like

Is strat and transactions now part of Parthenon or is it still in advisory?

like

How is Telco team in Paytm? How is the work, WLB, Management and culture?

like

How is the cloud oracle practice in Grand Thornton with respect to project opportunities, growth and leadership?

like

Is there anyone or do u know anyone in Bofa who didn't recieved Return to office mail yet

like

During my interview process I clearly stated my salary expectations of 95k-105k. They came back with an offer at 80k. Is it even possible for us to come closer to a better agreement with them being so low? All other aspects of the job are in line with what I'm looking for, so I really want to make this work.

like

Who is getting into NFT? Friends recently just printing money like the fed on this. Willing to risk a few thousand. You all ?

likefunny

Any NJ/PA Labor and Employment attorneys looking to lateral? Working on multiple AmLaw opportunities.

like

*URGENT JOB NEEDED* - BDM/E-com account management roles
Hey all, as I see a lot of recruiters in this group I wanted to know if anyone is hiring for BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER or E-COM ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT or VENDOR MANAGEMENT roles.
My husband is relentlessly trying to get a job in Canada/US but he is getting either regret mails or no response for referrals.
It would be really helpful if there is anyone is hiring for such roles or if you can refer to those roles in your organization. TIA :)

like

Hi guys,
I have cleared all the rounds for LTI post which I received autogenerated mail and then later HR asked to upload documents. In how many days can I expect offer letter?

like

I got an offer from LTI for Senior Software Engineer Role with P2 grade in Banking and Financial Services BU.
3.9 YOE
Tec Stack : Java, Spring, springboot.
How will the WLB, culture , leaves , work , hikes be in LTI?
Note : I have an offer from People Tech Group for Amazon client for similar pay.

like

Thoughts on Pathmatics?

Can it actually provide media spend? Are all brands in there or do you have to request to get brands in, etc?

like
like

Did anyone apply for the recent CFTC labor and employment trial attorney posting? These things are a black hole so I thought maybe we could share status updates as they come.

like

Has anyone had good experiences taking ashwagandha for daily stress?

like

SEEKING OPINIONS & FEEDBACK: I love the honest & practical discussions here, where people can freely identify things that are going on & seek guidance.

Wondering whether anybody’d be interested in some kind of more purposeful community- i.e., gathering w/fellow lawyers to pursue some specific mental health & well-being goals? We’d provide some counseling/coaching type content, in bite sized chunks, but have regular discussions to connect & encourage one another on applying the content IRL.

like

Hi fishes

Need a reality check-
Profile-
Btech (mech) + MBA (non-IIM top 15)
4 years enterprise account management- US based personal computing OEM
1 year Management Consulting- Sales transformation

Input required on-
1. What is my profile fit for account executive role like?
2. What is the salary I can target? (Current- 19.6 fix+ 3.5 JB+ 4 variable) I am gunning for at least 30% jump on fixed.

like

Additional Posts in Confession

Hulu commercial times are getting out of hand

like

At a happy hour and my boss just told me she wants me. Currently in an Uber going back to her place. AMA

likefunnyuplifting

I’ve turned 27 years old today and my father doesn’t give a shit about it. We didn’t celebrate. He yelled at me for waking up too late (it was 11am and I live in my own apartment). My family is here just to visit. I come from an immigrant family FYI. It’s like we’re not allowed to have fun somehow and always focused on work and chores. I hate all this negativity… Been patient and trying to stay patient.

likefunny

I'm feeling a lot of anger towards my manager (now he's acting normal but there were moments where he was condescending/dismissive/mocked my and others work/arrogant/said stuff was "wrong" constantly/belittling the difficulty of tasks etc. in the past project).
Maybe it is "standard chewing out" but it bothered me a lot. So much that I find myself still getting all fired up inside thinking about it...
Idk how to let go of this :/ Thoughts?

like

Venting :: I have this cousin who thinks she can just show up without calling or asking? She was unpleasant, criticised me for not cooking enough despite the fact that there were so many groceries close by, complained about me waking up at 8 am and how she hates my dogs and wish to strangle them, last time she stayed over. I can’t tolerate her but have the pressure of calling her home for the holidays cause she is home sick 😓

like

I have pretty bad anxiety to the point where it affects my job performance and will cause me to waste hours because I'm trying to cope with symptoms. I hate that xanax works so well and am terrified of getting addicted to it. Wasted 2 hours this morning panicking and thinking I was about to have a heart attack or something stupid, then I took a xanax and drank some tea and I'm super focused again and my productivity is way up. Anyone else take xanax? I usually only do like 2x a week.

like

Confession: The only in-law that I had a great relationship with passed away unexpectedly. The two remaining in-laws were on thin ice with me prior due to years of drama, nagging, and disgusting display of wealth. I believe their demand of money and general assholish behavior drove in law to his death. I love my S.O. but I can’t deal with the drama anymore.

I want to have a family and a future that is drama-free and full of love and don’t want to surround myself with negativity.

like

Anybody want to bring me to the Slalom Denver party last minute?

funnylike

AITA: My friend keeps asking me for financial advice. I set up a budget for her and have her concrete advice. And I field all of her investing questions. But still, she continues to be reckless with her money. She’s 42, single (no kids), and making $100k+ and is still living check to check.

I don’t want to waste my breathe on helping her since nothing seems to be getting through to her. AITA?

likehelpful

It's called a donner not a gyro. It was invented in Turkey and the poor excuse for 'gyro' in NY is microwave food compared to elite restaurant level kebab in Gokyuzu (London).

like

KPMG is the viola of the consulting symphony

funnylikesmart

If you were playing a contact sport like football or basketball and during a play you injured someone badly enough that they need surgery to fix the injury, should you be responsible for all of the medical bills? It was a totally legal play but he just got injured

like

Morons actually thought free speech was free🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

Elons an economist by trade. That free speech is going be behind a paywall.

likefunnyhelpful

Hi all. I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 2 and it’s been hard to heal with the ups and downs of a very competitive sales position in the current market. Before taking FMLA for 12 weeks I was a top performer. Any advice from those that also live with bipolar disorder, or advice on a potentially a less stressful position to ease out of sales? I have 7 years healthcare sales and 1.5 years as a MLO.

like

Pic thread! Pic thread!! Pic thread damn it!!! Come on everyone!!!!!

likefunny

Yikes! Some days, I just can’t stand my job

likefunny

I think you're all OK even if all your beliefs are absolutely and terribly wrong.

I accept you even though your opinions are trash and reek of intellectual laziness and genuine idiocy.

likefunnyuplifting

To all the divorced folks out there...

1) What went wrong in your relationship?
2) What's one piece of advice you'd give to us singletons before jumping into a long term relationship/marriage?

I like to learn from other people's mistakes 😅

likehelpful

I think I might get a divorce

likeupliftingsmart

The most interesting/unusual place you’ve had sex. I’ll go first - Ultra clean/fully protected Animal husbandry in an academic medical center, which required full PPE to enter. Go!

likefunny

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal