Wife snaps a lot

[Anonymous]

My wife is an inveterate snapper. She snaps with flashes of anger every other day. Soon after she apologizes and claims she is working on breaking the snapping habit and that she's sorry. Then she snaps again, over petty stuff. And says sorry again. The cycle never ends (her mother is the same way and my wife hates it). This is becoming a big issue; any advice on dealing with it? I'm a pretty mellow person myself and can't stand it.

[Anonymous]

I'm like this. Don't doubt her sincerity. There's a build up of emotion that is hard to suppress. She's only going to change if/when she's ready. She might need to put herself in a time out of sorts. I've gotten in the habit of telling my kids very directly that I need some space and to leave me alone for a few minutes.

[Anonymous]

This was happening a lot for me when we had our daughter and I had PPD that wasn't being treated. I was miserable. My husband may have called me Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (which stung but was accurate). Fatigue would bring it out quite badly. I'm sure she does feel badly, but I also wonder if she just needs some help. I finally got some (and meds) and it has helped me even out a lot. Hard to know the best way to mention that since I don't know your wife, but hopefully you can have a decent conversation about this issue with her.

[Anonymous]

This is me. I've been really, really working on it. What has helped for me is taking my DH up more on his offer to watch the kids in the morning so I can get early morning exercise. We have 2 kids under 3 and both work full time - things are crazy and I feel like I get no break. Even 45 minutes to myself to run changes my disposition.

Only to say - maybe figure out what could offer her some tension release.

[jsteele]

Please continue in the cross-posted thread:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/479532.page