A long time ago, I broke the ice by suggesting that our kids can learn about the facts of life by keeping fish. You might try that with grandchildren.
I am up to 5 tanks, the largest is a 300g reef tank . For my wife and I it is a negotiation. I just put up a 75g in my home office a couple of weeks ago and it is finishing up cycling and discus have been ordered! That was the toughest negotiation yet.
I just sat her down and said I want another tank, what do I have to do to get your blessing. After much discussion we agreed that I would give her the same amount I spend on the new setup, including live stock, to spend however she chooses.
She thinks I am crazy for having so many tanks and insists they all stay in the lower level of our home but likes the fact that we dedicate equal funds to her hobbies.
Good luck and I hope you are able to convince her.
A long time ago, I broke the ice by suggesting that our kids can learn about the facts of life by keeping fish. You might try that with grandchildren.
At my age, everything is irritating.
Well I showed her this thread and she called me a whack-job. Shes a psychologist and she hits me where it hurts when she wants to get her way. I really adore her and have a great marriage but darn it. I'm a big boy, worked hard all my life (surgeon) so I'm gonna take the plunge and see what happens. If I get thrown out, any safe harbors out there?
Just remind her that surgeons can only stop the elevator with their heads (to protect their hands) so many times before it takes a toll thus of course you are a whack job, best to just own it with pride. Maybe she will laugh if you use that approach whilst trying to hide the shiny new tank behind you. Might also want to purchase a new comfortable couch to go with the tank. Seriously, nothing you can trade/bribe her with? Good luck.
Friendly neighborhood retired FP MD.
If she threatens that tell her calmly that you're completely happy having her as a wife, but if she is unhappy with you she is free to leave. Nothing like a taste of your own medicine to turn things around. Mama Bear has spoken.
Mama Bear
She's a shrink!?!?!? Dang, that's like trying to pee in a cup when someone's watching... but ALL the time!
Tell her it's for your own psychiatric stability... then we she starts laughing or shaking her head, scream, "SEE! YOU NEVER TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!"... then walk out the front door, slam it, drive to get new tank... then she'll think twice next time PLUS won't give you a hard time about the tank until a few days...
Disclaimer: I lose all the time...
-Elliot
Is there anyway you can get your spouse involved in the planning process (site selection, flora & fauna selection, automation to reduce maintenance and impact on your living space, etc..)?
Peter
Cuerpo en Green Valley, Arizona, USA y Corazón en Alamos, Sonora, Mexico
learning never stops
I know I'm wicked but I'm harmless, mostly.
Mama Bear
Yes, wouldn't want anyone to claim you are snarky!
Only to friends. When it's done among friends it's just being playful. At least I hope...I would hate to be told to keep my mouth shut.
Mama Bear
This has by far been one of my latest favorite thread. Not only because of the funny freaking humor going on but because it directly relates to me as well!
-Elliot
I had this problem, so got my other half into helping me grow out the brine to adulthood, raising fry etc. And before I knew it, she was suggesting more tanks for her "area" of the fish room. Haha, problem solved! Happy wife, happy life