The wife from hell

BECOMING a wife is the dream of many women, whilst becoming a husband — committing to one partner for the rest of his life — is perhaps the second greatest fear of some men. That is why it’s such a huge blow for a man when a woman comes into his life who totally erases his fear of lifetime commitment, and she turns out to be the wife from hell.

Here are seven things a man might want to consider about a woman before saying I do.

1. Observe her keenly around the house

A woman can be beautiful, educated, and charming, yet not know a thing about keeping house. Mind you, some women are schooled (by their mothers or perhaps an older woman) in the art of taking care of the house, while there are other women who have never lifted a broom in their lives because they grew up with helpers. So it’s not even about her ability to do the housework, but her attitude towards housework. If she cannot take care of her house, she should at least consider it important to want to learn or hire someone to do so. Women must also note that most men like a tidy house.

2. Will she make a good mother to your children?

Some women have a natural motherly instinct and are great with children. Others are simply not mother material. A woman can be a good person, a nice lady, yet still she is just not into children. There’s nothing wrong with a woman not wanting children, but if you are the type of man who wants children, be sure to ask her if she wants children and even if she says yes, carefully observe her attitude and behaviour towards children. If having children is very important to you, don’t marry a woman who isn’t the type to raise children. You might be setting yourself up with a wife from hell.

3. Women who gossip a lot

If she spends more time at the neighbour’s or on the phone chatting people’s business, nothing will remain private about your personal life either. Men like to think that they do not need help from people outside when they are having relationship issues. However, when you have a woman who chats too much, be assured that your business will be told to Pam, Janet, Patsy and anyone else who will listen. A woman who cannot tame her mouth will constantly be in arguments, carry-go-bring-come, and other situations a man wants to avoid.

4. Is she ambitious and supportive?

There are men who are accomplished and prefer women who they know are also ambitious. However, ambitious doesn’t mean she has to have a degree, a high-paying job or her own business. An ambitious woman can also be the supportive wife who stays home and takes care of the home and kids but she is a tower of strength behind her husband’s success. A man values support from his spouse, so if a woman isn’t supportive of your dreams, quite likely she isn’t the one you should marry.

5. Is she too independent?

It’s nice when a woman can take care of herself financially and otherwise. A woman who does not depend on a man to do everything for her can be very attractive to a man. However, too much independence can also destroy a good relationship. If she is used to doing things herself, doing them her own way, and not partnering with a man, be sure that she in fact wants a partner before marrying her. Men like to feel needed. A woman who is too independent can make a man feel useless, so observe if she is willing to strike a balance and at times allow you to take the lead on some things. Is she isn’t, you could be in for a rough ride.

6. Is she too needy?

While some women are proud of their independence, others are proud of their neediness. They believe that a man must provide them with everything they want, and this is not just about money. It can be that she doesn’t even want to drive herself anywhere to get anything done. A woman who is too needy can be a nightmare for the man who marries her because she will demand a lot of his time, his money, and his emotional energy.

7. The nagging woman

One of the quickest ways to get a man to leave you is to constantly nag him. Men do not like to be nagged, so when a woman is constantly at it he gets turned off and begins to avoid her as much as possible. A man who wants peace in his household shouldn’t marry a woman who he knows will constantly nag him.

Marie Berbick, aka The PR Girl, is a communications specialist, motivational speaker and founder of the women’s ministry Sisters United for Prayer, Healing, Empowerment & Restoration (SUPHER). Follow her on Twitter @thePR Girl or e-mail marieberbick@gmail.com.