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Mrs. Chrissy
Savvy June 2018

How to survive a marriage with an Angry husband

Mrs. Chrissy, on September 21, 2018 at 9:03 PM

Posted in Married Life 91

My husband and I should be in our honeymoon phase post-wedding, but we’re not. We’re in a little over 3 months, and our marriage is already on the rocks. I honestly don’t know how this happened. One moment, we’re in love and enjoying being newlyweds for a good 3 weeks, and then bam! The fights have...
My husband and I should be in our honeymoon phase post-wedding, but we’re not. We’re in a little over 3 months, and our marriage is already on the rocks. I honestly don’t know how this happened. One moment, we’re in love and enjoying being newlyweds for a good 3 weeks, and then bam! The fights have become increasingly hurtful, moreso emotionally than physically. We’ve gotten into 3 HUGE fights since then, not to mention the little petty arguments and outbursts that I try so hard to dismiss. Each fight, he has thrown the “D” word — divorce. It has me questioning everything and our vows we made to each other. I’ve heard some women describe how their husband changed after marriage and how their true selves came out. I don’t want to accept that this is what may have happened to my husband. But I also knew months into dating, he had an anger problem. We somehow navigated it through it and came out understanding each other. Now, there’s none of that. I feel like he has no respect for me and the line was crossed months ago. In the moment, I can only see this spiraling into the worst possible scenarios. But when things are at peace between us, I really believe we can make it through this like those 45+ year marriages you hear of.

He is the love love of my life and we really do get along well when there’s no anger in the equation. We have the same moral beliefs and have similar upbringings. Our personalities, when in a fight, clash and it’s an uphill battle I think we’re losing. We’ve talked about counseling many times and have seen 1 psychologist who he didn’t like. He’s had a history of going to an anger management group/session, but stated it doesn’t work. He’s also claimed that he thinks an eastern-based psychologist would be more helpful, but he’s yet to find a therapist. I have also been contemplating on revising my therapist just for my sanity, but my current insurance situation doesn’t allow me to do so. His mother had a glimpse of our fight and how he treats me, was completely ashamed of his actions towards me, but ultimately advised me to leave the room and allow him to stew in his own anger until he apologizes. I tried a few times, but I’m inconsistent with handling my own emotions at the time and haven’t been perfect about leaving him to think to himself.

Any advice on living with a husband who has anger issues would be appreciated. How do you live with him? How do you make it work? Is it better to just throw in the towel now than to later end up in divorce anyway?

91 Comments

  • Derby
    Devoted October 2018
    Derby ·
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    Okay, I don't want to come off the wrong way. But if you have to ask " How to SURVIVE a Marriage with an ANGRY husband" is very concerning.
    you should not have to think about surviving an relationship with anyone, you should be thriving and loving every moment of it. I'm sorry all this is happening but I would suggest counseling quick before it escalates to Physical. If that doesn't work and it escalates....RUN!

    Best wishes.
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  • T
    Devoted September 2025
    Tanise ·
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    I'm struck that you said it was more emotional than physical. Does that mean that there is at least some physical abuse? You have to love yourself enough to know what your needs are. If his actions are not in line with your healthiest definition of love, then he must hear that from you in the least emotional and most concise way you can. He sounds deeply triggered by very specific things, so maybe it's better if it's written instead of spoken. It's amazing how many things are lost in communication no matter how hard people try to hear each other. For his mom to be regretful but not directly addressing it to him is a huge red flag. Not to get all Freudian, but it sounds like some of the problem is coming from unspoken issues toward her. What's more, you are forced to bear the brunt of it. It must feel so devastatingly unfair.

    You sound as though you want more than just a long, happy marriage. You seem to care deeply about this man's psychological wellbeing. Although it is hard to get therapy nowadays, feel free to email me at *********@*****.*** and I can connect you with someone who does remote online therapy for those without sufficient coverage. In the meantime, please know that nothing you do earns mistreatment at the hands of a loved one. You should have a partner who cares as much about your state of mind as you care about his. Always remember that you promised this to him, and it's time for him to return that promise.

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  • Littlebride
    Dedicated January 2020
    Littlebride ·
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    Oh lovely,
    I wish I could give you a hug !!!!

    I personally have the mindset of working out a marriage no matter how hard it gets.. although there are exceptions. I've personally know success stories of couples who went through what you're going through and decided not to divorce but instead got therapy and are now inspiring couples)
    That being said my brother in law reminds me of your hubby. He's not married, but he had horrible anger problems ( he's still easily angered, but has learned to manage it ). He hit and bruised my fiance's neck badly over a fight about food. Slammed his mom's had on a door because he was upset about something. ( and other things through the years)) ... I say this to tell you that he was able to get help and now when he becomes upset he knows to retreat to somewhere safe where he cannot harm others.
    I hope your hubby gets the help he needs so that he can find a way to channel his anger without hurting you. It's important for him to figure out what he can do to safely manage how he handels the situation.( As in not hurt you or other with his words or with his hands)
    • Reply
  • Mrs. Chrissy
    Savvy June 2018
    Mrs. Chrissy ·
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    I’m sorry I haven’t been able to reply to each one of you. I’ve had classes all day with a test in the middle of all this.

    I would just like to say that I am overwhelmingly grateful for the support you all have given me. I had second thoughts shortly after I made this post...why did I post this on a wedding forum of all places? But you all have been amazing and wonderful with the outpouring of love and support. Thank you all so much. Wedding Wire is a great community of strong women.

    Your advice is helping me sort through this all. And I thank you for reminding me of loving myself first. I am considering my options and haven’t decided yet on just how I will handle this. But I’m going to start with looking into the resources many of you have posted.

    Thank you again.
    Chrissy
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  • Brynne
    Savvy May 2019
    Brynne ·
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    There is a reason he "doesn't like" the psychologist. He won't like any of them. He sounds like a narcissist who doesn't want to be told what's up
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  • futureMrsC
    Devoted March 2021
    futureMrsC ·
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    All of this!!!! I agree with each point!

    OP, please make sure you do as you say and look into resources and absolutely follow up with the Admin who posted earlier as well. You have been on my mind since I read your post last night and I'm happy to see that most people are giving you sound advice. Domestic Violence is not something that should be taken lightly and I hope that you get yourself some help and a solid support system. Please keep us updated on how you are. Take care of YOU, we are in your corner.
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  • angela
    Beginner April 2019
    angela ·
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    You never know if hes dealing with depression or anxiety so no divorce is not the answer you know who you're marrying before the wedding i'm sure they will work it out

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  • angela
    Beginner April 2019
    angela ·
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    Divorce shouldn't be the first option and you never know whats causing the arguments they need therapy

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  • C
    Savvy February 2019
    C M ·
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    I've always had some anger problems, it can really put a burden on a relationship and it seriously sucks. I would suggest going to counseling with him. Not excusing his behaviors, but i to slip up and can be mean to my FH out of anger and will say things i do not mean. It is never okay to threaten to leave just to hurt somebody's feelings, and im guilty of doing it to but in my experience I've only said it out of anger so if he has anger problems like you said he's probably just letting it get the best of him during the fight and unintentionally saying things to hurt you. I hate myself when i let my anger get in the way during an argument between me and my FH. He knows the problems i have so he'll just apologize and leave me alone for a little bit until he can tell I've calmed down and then we talk about it. I'm blessed to have a great support system and someone who understands i don't act this way intentionally and that i am trying so hard to work on it and be better. I would definitely talk to him about it, support him, and try anger managment counseling for just him or marriage counselling for the both of you. Hang in there, don't throw in the towel yet! All marriages will go through times like these, you just have to push through it, unless you feel you should leave for you own good! best wishes! ❤
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  • Colleen
    Master September 2019
    Colleen ·
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    She admitted to being physically and emotionally abused so yes her safety well being is the most important.
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  • Courtney
    Super September 2019
    Courtney ·
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    I would try counselling! You both love each other and it helps a lot to have an environment where you can talk about what is causing the fights and reactions to the fights. It’s so early in the marriage you both are still adjusting and support and communication is so important during this time!
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  • Future Mrs. Petro
    Devoted November 2018
    Future Mrs. Petro ·
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    I'm so sorry you are going through this! Did you say your fights get physical? If that is the case I'm sorry to say this but I don't think things are going to improve. I understand he is the love of your life and you made vows to him but no one deserves that and you should not settle for it
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  • A
    Super September 2019
    Anna ·
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    When fiancé and I have our disagreements (no matter how big or small) we both take a step back and ask ourselves what is the issue. We look at it from both sides and work together on how to fix it. I don’t know either of you personally, but it sounds like there may be a much deeper or bigger issue at hand on your husbands side. Communication is key. Maybe even try talking to him when he’s at his calmest and try to explain that you love him but you need to sort your issues. Marriage counseling may be a good option as well to give you both tools to help you through future fights. I wish you both the best and hope everything works out for you two!
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  • Carrie
    Devoted September 2016
    Carrie ·
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    Uh no? I'm sorry but that's ridiculous. Divorce can absolutely be the answer if that's what she decides. She is being ABUSED. It is HER CHOICE If she decides to leave. Sometimes things don't work out. I'll say it again: there is no shame in divorce at all. If you believe that for yourself, fine. You are allowed to stay in an abusive relationship and you are allowed to make your own choices for your own life. But don't project your views on other people and tell her she shouldn't even consider this option. This infuriates me to the next level.

    it's not your life. She's free to decide whatever she wants with her own life. Don't tell her this is not an option just because it isn't an option in your life (and good luck with your marriage then).
    • Reply
  • Carrie
    Devoted September 2016
    Carrie ·
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    Right?! Of course her well being is most important. It's 700 am and my blood is boiling right now. I suggested therapy in my first post too, but of course divorce is her choice to make if she decides to go down that route.
    • Reply
  • Jadine
    Savvy October 2021
    Jadine ·
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    THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS.
    • Reply
  • Courtney
    Super December 2018
    Courtney ·
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    It is not her job to "save" him.

    She needs to save herself, keep herself safe as he has proven that he can't be trusted.
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  • Courtney
    Super December 2018
    Courtney ·
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    From what I've understood this has become worse since the marriage.

    If that is the case, then who he REALLY is isn't the man he portrayed himself to be through their courtship and engagement.

    Thus he isn't really the man she thinks she loves.

    Sometimes letting go of the person we *want* to see is harder than letting go of the reality.
    • Reply
  • Colleen
    Master September 2019
    Colleen ·
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    So if someone ends up getting severely hurt you still going to recommend counseling? How far does it have to go?
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  • angela
    Beginner April 2019
    angela ·
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    Exactly her choice not yours good luck in yours too lmao

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