Found on MSN.com I’ve never taken a quiz before that’s actually told me in red that I’m wrong. HA! (I do have to say that a) Jason and I aren’t married and b) most of these answers left a lot to be desired in the choices department. He’s really not that bad most of the time.)
One day, your big guy steps on the bathroom scale and discovers that he’s become a really big guy. He announces:
a. “I’m cutting back — no more bacon on the cheeseburgers!”
b. “I’m buying a new scale.”
c. “I’m joining a gym.”
d. “I’m getting some bigger pants.”
Your answer: a. “I’m cutting back — no more bacon on the cheeseburgers!”
The correct answer is: c. “I’m joining a gym.”
“Extra pounds go a long way toward debilitating desire and can be a sign of depression and poor self-esteem,” says Ian Kerner, Ph.D., author of “Be Honest — You’re Not That Into Him Either” and Lifetime’s relationships expert. So address the weight gain as a team. “Cook healthier meals,” adds Tessina. “Work out together, or encourage him to run with a buddy.” Bottom line: Focus on his health instead of nitpicking about his appearance.
A couple who balances the checkbook together stays together, right? So when your husband spots a $2,500 BarbecuTastic 7000 at the store, he grabs:
a. His credit card. (Flame broiling in style? Priceless.)
b. His cell phone, so he can run this purchase by you first.
Your answer: a. His credit card. (Flame broiling in style? Priceless.)
The correct answer is: b. His cell phone, so he can run this purchase by you first.
“Wives often go berserk over money, but men need to feel some independence,” says Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of “All Men Are Jerks Until Proven Otherwise.” So how to avoid making your hubby feel like he’s on an allowance? “Decide what purchases must be discussed before buying,” Schwartz says. Sharing your reasons — such as saving for a down payment on a house — will help him understand the need to work together.
Your fella was a pretty snappy dresser before the wedding. These days you’d describe his personal style as:
a. Shabby chic…or, more accurately, shabby shabby.
b. Flannel, flannel, denim and flannel.
c. Unchanging — he still wears his high school football jersey.
d. Metro-sensational! Brad Pitt wishes he looked this good.
Your answer: c. Unchanging — he still wears his high school football jersey.
The correct answer is: d. Metro-sensational! Brad Pitt wishes he looked this good.
The secret to any A-list actor’s impeccable taste? He has a full-time stylist! Your husband has you. So offer to help him shop. “Many guys are clueless about fashion, even when they try,” says Kerner. That said, start small, and don’t go all “Wife’s Eye for the Schlubby Guy.” Try this win-win: “Discuss appropriate attire for certain occasions, and leave him alone the rest of the time,” recommends Tessina.
There’s nothing you wouldn’t talk about with your partner. Just last week, you told him about your jerk boss, and he said:
a. “Uh-huh.”
b. “Maybe you just need to try harder.”
c. “You sound really frustrated. Tell me more.”
d. “Do you have the remote control?”
Your answer: a. “Uh-huh.”
The correct answer is: c. “You sound really frustrated. Tell me more.”
Face it: A chat over tea and scones ain’t gonna happen. “Men are side-by-side communicators as opposed to face-to-face,” says Kerner. So engage him in activities that trigger talking. “Do things together where communication is a by-product, not the focus,” he says. Translation: Bond over bowling, a home repair job or even while taking a nice scenic drive.
The man of the house is still the same ambitious go-getter you fell in love with all those years ago. Why, just the other day he…
a. Networked with co-workers, or as he calls it, happy hour.
b. Got his very own personalized stapler.
c. Earned a stellar promotion and a raise.
d. Walked over to the TV to change the channel himself.
Your answer: a. Networked with co-workers, or as he calls it, happy hour.
The correct answer is: c. Earned a stellar promotion and a raise.
“Male self-esteem is heavily tied to professional success,” says Kerner. So while your first impulse might be to reach out if he’s having a tough time at work, your guy might not want to talk about it. The best way to make a difference? “Help your husband understand that his professional identity is not the whole man, but just a part,” Kerner says.
It’s the little things that make a marriage last. For instance, on your last birthday, your sweetie surprised you:
a. With a wonderful home-cooked dinner by candlelight.
b. By revealing that he’s clueless about the exact day you were born but does remember that you’re getting up there in age.
Your answer: b. By revealing that he’s clueless about the exact day you were born but does remember that you’re getting up there in age.
The correct answer is: a. With a wonderful home-cooked dinner by candlelight.
Poor husbands! They’ve been nagged about forgotten holidays since the beginning of time. “The truth is, it doesn’t happen all that often,” says Kerner. Hmmm…sounds like he’s covering for his kind. But you know what? People are forgetful. End of story. “Stop making his remembering so important,” says Schwartz. Just go ahead and remind him already.
You know your love muffin is in the mood for a little whoopee if he:
a. Offers to put the laundry in.
b. Clips his toenails.
c. Gives you a sexy massage after a long day.
d. Puts down the porn magazine.
Your answer: a. Offers to put the laundry in.
The correct answer is: c. Gives you a sexy massage after a long day.
In an ideal world, the kids would be sound asleep by 6:30 every night, leaving you and your man to enjoy cocktails while watching the sun set. In the real world, you need to heat things up in a hurry. “Foreplay begins in the mind — and men respond to external triggers,” says Kerner. “A quick stop together at Victoria’s Secret, even under the guise of getting T-shirts, will definitely spark his interest.” Who knew shopping could be so hot?
Results Your score is: 0 of 7
0- 2 Points: Who’s the stranger wearing your husband’s boxers? Somewhere inside Mr. Unfamiliar is the great guy you married. Really. Says Tessina, “Admitting how you feel can open up a valuable discussion, if you don’t take your frustrations out on each other. Work together to solve your problems.” Get counseling if you’re struggling — it’s worth the cost if it keeps your marriage working. You two can definitely pick up a few pointers while watching the new Lifetime show “You’re Not the Man I Married,” Mondays at 8:30 pm et/pt.
3- 5 Points: Why mess with Mr. In-between? He’s not perfect, but he’s your husband. “Give him credit and reassure him about the things he’s good at — if he fixes something around the house, or that he’s a good, supportive husband,” says Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of “All Men Are Jerks Until Proven Otherwise.” Then strengthen your communication so your sweetie knows what you need. You two may also pick up a few pointers while watching the new Lifetime show “You’re Not the Man I Married,” Mondays at 8:30 pm et/pt.
6- 7 Points: You’re still married to Mr. Perfect! Clearly you’ve figured out the secret to all great partnerships: communication. But just because your partner’s in the Husband Hall of Fame, don’t forget to constantly recharge your connection, says Dr. Tessina. “One evening a week, have a date or take a class together. The idea is continue creating new experiences,” she says. You two lovebirds may also pick up a few pointers while watching the new Lifetime show “You’re Not the Man I Married,” Mondays at 8:30 pm et/pt.
Thank you for taking our quiz!
