6 Secret Signs Your Family Members Are Bullying Your Husband
We tend to think of women as victims of bullying – we’ve all heard stories where wives and mothers-in-law don’t get along. But men can suffer from family bullying too – especially from father-in-laws, uncles and older brothers.
Jokes about impossible in-laws are common but they do underline an open secret in Asia: Bullying within families is common.
Sadly, it’s not always easy to spot. It’s especially difficult if a man is very filial, or he’s too shy to say anything, or he believes that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
All families have ups and downs, but if you spot a pattern that shows you have a problem, what should you do?
The reality is that marriage is a partnership where the two of you promise to support each other for better and for worse. Communicate sincerely with your husband, work out what the issues are and focus on solutions.
READ ALSO: 10 Bad Habits That Could Hurt Your Relationship
Perhaps your father genuinely is not aware that his jokes are hurtful, so take him aside and politely explain your point of view. It does not have to be a confrontation – it can be just an explanation. You need to show them that you stand shoulder to shoulder with your husband.
Family loyalty and filial piety are extremely important – but so is your marriage. It also deserves respect.
Here are some signs trouble could be brewing (click through in the gallery below), learn to spot them and take action before it's too late:
Text: Ellen Whyte / Additional Reporting: Tara Barker, Sean Tan
Therapist Ellen Whyte lives in Malaysia. As well as face-to-face therapy, she counsels clients via email, Skype and Facetime. Occasionally she offers a free online public access agony aunt service over at her blog.
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