Growing up in the Hispanic culture I used to hear a lot of jokes regarding who is the boss in a marriage. Many Latin American men would agree that they only provide for the family and that the wife is the one in charge. When I first met my father in law I noticed how obedient he was to his wife and decided to make a joke of it, I did not plan for him to turn it around on me. I said, “Jorge, you need to learn to wear the pants in your marriage.” He replied, “I do wear them, but the problem is when she takes them off.”
Regardless of culture and personal beliefs there is a correct way that God has established for a husband and wife to treat other and act with their children. Ever since Adam and Eve, God made it clear when he said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). To be one flesh means to be equals and united. There was also symbolism used when Eve was created from the one of the ribs of Adam. She was part of him and taken from his side.
It is especially important to be united when raising children. Kids can tell when parents are not united and they will take advantage of this by going towards the parent that agrees with them most at that moment. Children are learning from everything they see their parents do. This is why it is so important that parents agree on family matters and how to raise their children. If they do not agree, which will happen, then they should discuss their differences in private and not in front of their children. It would be terrible to have your children see you two fighting about something and insulting each other. Husband and wife should always treat each other with respect and kindness.
I admire the marriage of President Gordon B. Hinckley because you could tell how much he loved his wife. In an interview someone asked his wife how it was possible that he let her do whatever she wanted and gave her space to fly. She responded, “He never tells me what to do. He just lets me go. He has made me feel like a real person. He has encouraged me to do whatever makes me happy. He doesn’t try to rule or dominate me.” I think this is the perfect way for any wife to feel about her husband. She must feel valued, appreciated, and that her husband indeed let’s her fly to reach her potential. As the saying goes, “Happy wife, happy life”. We husbands must do everything within our power to ensure our wife is happy and reaching her full potential. In return, she will help us become better men. We both need each other to improve as individuals and at the same time we grow closer together as a married couple.
Fighting For a Happy Marriage 