Penny, many men have been trained to feel guilty for doing something they like without involving their partner.I've sen it time and time again.
The woman's main complaint is that they want "me" time.
They want ATTENTION from their partner.
And if the TV is getting more ATTENTION than the little woman, there's going to be a problem up in here....
That's how it is for most men in Marriages/LTRs.
They key is to have balance.
She should have stuff to do without him. And so he shoudl be better able to enjoy his alone "me" time without apprehension or guilt.
And they should have stuff to do together, without thie kids.
And they should have stuff together as a family.
And each parent should take each child alone with them and do something just with them alone.
This has to be done pretty much throught each month.
You have to make sure you are stauying connected to your partner, and to your kids.
The "me" time , alone or with your partner, and with your kids is extremely important.
In addition, you have to factor in getting together with buddies for him, and girlfriens for her.
So each partner has adult interaction , support, and bonds outside of the marriage/ltr itself.
I tell you what is wrong, ot's NOT making time for yourself, and making sure you have the intimacy bond strong and sure.
Always saying, "Oh we just dont have neough time, and with the klids...you know how it is these days. There's just not enough time."
No, there is ALWAYS enough time.
What I see lacking is the motivation, the will, and the desire to make the marriage a happy one, and the desire to really give the kids really sound, good role models to emulate.
"Look at dad. He's alway working out and eating healthy. He's always on time. He never loses his temper. He's always reading or studying something interesting..but he always has enough time and attention for us."
Same thing with the woman...she should also be trying to learn new things, be a little bit adventurous, and be a good role model for both the male and female children.
The little boy learns to see and discern what is a good woman, with Class, grace, character, and spunky attitude. The female learns what is a quality man...one who is calm, and under control.Always improving, learning new things. Who makes time for himself, and has a back bone. etc.
If you don;t make time for yourself and yor marriage , you become POOR Role Models for your children.
They begin to believe that they should give up their lives and identity and pursuits for them.
Yet, the parents make a mistake in sacrificing the very things that make them special and unique. The children will suffer from a lack of a good role model because of these things.