Woman Thankful After Advice She Got On Reddit Helped Fix Her Marriage
Three years later, we have an update.
A Reddit user who goes by the handle "whatdoesthismeantho" took to the AITA subreddit to provide an update on a post she created back in 2020.
In the 2020 post, whatdoesthismeantho complained that her husband, who earned roughly $195k annually, made her pay half their rent from her $50k annual income, leaving her with little to spend on herself.
whatdoesthismeantho was earning $65k at a previous job but quit for a lower-paying remote position so she could care for their newborn baby. In the update whatdoesthismeantho provided, she mentioned that she took virtual therapy sessions and later proposed to her husband that they should attend couples counseling.
Her husband agreed, and to this day, they still have weekly counseling sessions. According to whatdoesthismeantho, counseling helped her husband address the root of his fears, as he later discovered that his trouble with trusting her financially stemmed from beliefs he had growing up.
Although she admits that everything isn't perfect now, they have made progress, and there is more trust in her marriage. Now, they have a joint bank account where they both contribute 2/3 of their incomes while keeping the remainder for their personal needs.
She also added that she has a new job now and is earning significantly more than she was in the original post. whatdoesthismeantho is thankful to everyone who supported and advised her in her first post because they nudged her in the right direction.
Here's how the AITA community responded to the update.
This is how it started.
u/whatdoesthismeanthoCouple counseling helped them.
u/whatdoesthismeanthoThey turned their lives around.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
The Role of Community Support
Research in social psychology emphasizes the importance of community support in fostering resilience during difficult times.
Platforms like Reddit can provide validation and advice, which may contribute to improved mental health outcomes.
This woman’s experience illustrates the potential for online communities to offer practical solutions and emotional support, which can be transformative in personal relationships.
Impact of Online Communities on Relationships
Dr. Sherry Turkle's research on technology and relationships highlights how online communities can serve as valuable support networks during times of personal crisis.
The woman’s experience shows that seeking advice from online forums can provide diverse perspectives that contribute to personal growth and relationship healing.
Studies indicate that individuals who engage with supportive online communities often report higher levels of satisfaction and emotional support.
We're happy for the happy ending! Then Reddit responded.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
1. Happy to learn about their progress.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
2. She should ask for back pay for all the times her husband wasn't supportive.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
According to studies published in the Journal of Social Issues, social support networks significantly correlate with relationship satisfaction and personal well-being.
In this case, the woman’s decision to seek advice not only helped her navigate marital challenges but also reinforced her sense of agency and empowerment.
Engaging with supportive communities can enhance individuals’ coping mechanisms during relational turmoil.
Moreover, the phenomenon of social validation plays a crucial role in personal decision-making. Research in social psychology shows that when individuals receive encouragement from peers, they are more likely to take steps toward positive change.
In this case, the advice received from Reddit may have acted as a catalyst for the woman to address underlying issues in her marriage, leading to constructive changes.
This demonstrates the power of shared experiences in fostering resilience and problem-solving.
3. She should get a "post-nup" to protect herself and her children.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
4. It's great that things are better now.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
5. It would have been better if her husband had realized sooner that parenting was hard work.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
Learning from Relationship Challenges
Psychological research suggests that relationship difficulties can serve as catalysts for personal growth and improved communication skills.
By reflecting on her struggles, this woman likely gained insights into her needs and boundaries, which are essential for a healthy partnership.
Such growth often leads to more fulfilling relationships in the long term.
Therapeutic Insights for Couples
According to Dr. John Gottman, successful relationships often rely on the ability to manage conflict and communicate effectively.
Couples facing challenges should consider engaging in couples therapy to develop skills for navigating disagreements and enhancing emotional intimacy.
Research shows that couples who participate in therapy often report improved satisfaction and relationship stability over time.
6. It's good that they are both getting therapy.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
7. It's heartbreaking that she went through that.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
8. Her husband was misogynistic and selfish.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
Incorporating therapeutic practices, such as active listening and conflict resolution techniques, can help couples strengthen their bonds.
Dr. John Gottman’s research emphasizes that couples who engage in these practices experience greater relationship satisfaction and emotional intimacy.
For this couple, continued focus on communication and understanding can fortify their connection moving forward.
In addition, establishing regular check-ins as a couple can facilitate open dialogue about feelings and expectations. This proactive approach can help couples address issues before they escalate into larger conflicts.
Studies indicate that couples who communicate openly about their needs and feelings are more likely to maintain healthy, long-lasting relationships.
Incorporating practices such as gratitude journaling can also strengthen emotional bonds and foster appreciation for one another.
9. Finance is an important topic that should be addressed before marriage.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
10. It is good to work on a relationship rather than end it.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
11. Her husband had a bad upbringing.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
12. Seeking therapy was a good idea.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
13. Her husband owes her for his financial abuse.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
14. Hope her husband understands he wronged her.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
15. Her husband should pay her if he's truly sorry.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
16. Kudos to the couple for working things out.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
17. Hope things keep getting better between them.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
18. They should re-evaluate their old prenup.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
19. They shouldn't contribute the same amount.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
20. Ending a relationship isn't always the best answer.
u/whatdoesthismeantho
What Do You Think?
It is often said that one shouldn't take advice from strangers online because many people you meet on public forums are merely armchair experts.
However, there are cases where advice from netizens has yielded positive results.
Regardless of whether you are getting advice online or offline, it is important to sift through advice and discern which is good or bad.
Psychological Analysis
This woman's journey illustrates the transformative power of seeking help and advice from others during difficult times. Utilizing online communities can provide fresh insights and foster healing.
It's essential for couples to remain open to change and actively work on their relationship to cultivate a supportive partnership.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The role of online communities in relationship healing underscores the importance of social support in times of crisis.
As noted by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "Supportive interactions are essential for emotional resilience and can significantly enhance relationship satisfaction." Engaging in open communication and seeking support can empower couples to navigate their challenges effectively.
Ultimately, those who foster these connections are more likely to overcome obstacles and thrive together.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Exploring the dynamics of support in relationships reveals the critical role community plays in fostering resilience.
Studies consistently show that individuals who seek and receive support tend to navigate challenges more effectively and experience greater relationship satisfaction.
Ultimately, investing in open communication and support systems can lead to more fulfilling partnerships.
