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AIBU?

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To wish DH would sometimes empathise and not just look for the solution?

186 replies

Hoypolliu · 25/08/2026 12:00

Before I start this post I just want to say, I’m happy in my marriage, and DH is a great husband and father to our kids. However, one thing is starting to bother me, and I’m not sure if I’m being unreasonable.

DH is a very practical, problem solver type person. When something goes wrong, he’s unphased and looks immediately for the solution. He’s extremely resilient, has a stressful job that he manages well and maintains a good work life balance.

However, sometimes, when I’ve had a bad day or a disappointment, or just want a whinge, I don’t want solutions, I just want someone to empathise and agree with me that it’s shit. He listens but immediately launches into finding a way forward. It sometimes feels a bit dismissive, but it’s like the only thing he knows how to do is help resolve things. He doesn’t do navel gazing and he’s always so measured and reasonable.

I don’t know why this has only just started to bother me, we’ve been together for over a decade. However, I’m not sure how to raise it without sounding ungrateful for the practical support that he’s very good at providing.

Am I asking too much and being unreasonable?

OP posts:
junebirthdaygirl · 25/08/2026 12:12

I hear my friends dh saying to his wife : what do you need from me? She told me they devised that strategy as his first impulse was to find a solution. I suggested it to dh but he hasn't caught on yet but might be worth a try.

Musicaltheatremum · 25/08/2026 12:12

My husband is like this. He tries to solve the problem. He has got better since I told him that I just needed him to listen not solve anything.

Loulou4022 · 25/08/2026 12:11

It’s one of the differences between men and women that men naturally problem solve and women naturally just provide empathy. I’m a weirdo and like to problem solve all the time! As someone else said I’d just say to DH I don’t want or need a solution I just want to moan and for you listen.

concertinacornflake · 25/08/2026 12:11

Can you talk to someone else if you want to just offload? It's quite hard to change someone else's long term approach to life.

OnlyUsername · 25/08/2026 12:10

I'm afraid I'm the solution-finder in our house. I can't help it! I'm very sympathetic if it's something like illness or delayed trains or someone else at work being awful, but for some things DH just needs to make a phone call or send an email so I'll point it out.

ImFckingMattDamon · 25/08/2026 12:09

I think most men are like this tbh. That's why women are usually the best for sympathy and emotional support!

mugglewump · 25/08/2026 12:08

This! I am always telling DH that DD doesn't want solutions when she is having a moan.

raffegiraffe · 25/08/2026 12:08

I'm like this, always looking to solve.
I read something that helped.
When people talk about a problem, you need to think empathy, strategy or distraction as the 3 possible ways to respond.
I've started asking people what would be most helpful at that time.
Maybe discuss this with him, the three options, and see if he can relate

Mycatisreal · 25/08/2026 12:07

Same. I want to say what’s bothering me and he’ll say “well what can I do?” I don’t want you to do ANYTHING! Just listen and take it on board!!! Jeez.

ExtraOnions · 25/08/2026 12:06

I tell my Husband “I don’t want you to solve this, I just want you to listen”

Elderflowerdrink · 25/08/2026 12:05

You’re literally describing a scene from Parks and Rec 😂

www.tiktok.com/@missnerdstiles/video/7225781480646266158