What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women

by James C. Dobson

Dr. Dobson's suggestions for marital happiness are interesting, practical, and humorous.

Genres: Marriage, Christian, Nonfiction, Relationships, Self Help, Religion, Faith

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

A licensed psychologist and marriage, family, and child counselor, Dr. James Dobson was a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For 14 years Dr. Dobson was an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and he served for 17 years on the attending staff of Children's Hospital Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development.

He was the author of more than 50 books, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Night Light: A Devotional for Couples, Bringing Up Boys, and the New York Times bestseller Bringing Up Girls .

Heavily involved in influencing governmental policies related to the family, Dr. Dobson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Commission to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Board on Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of Health and Human Services' Panel on Teen Pregnancy Prevention, and the Commission on Child and Family Welfare. He was elected in 2008 to the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2009 received the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award.

Reviews

[The Celtic Rebel (Richard) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as an early wedding gift from a friend before I married. Although it was several years old then, this book was still relevant, and still is today. It is a book suitable for any man - single or married alike.

I have read the book a few times since I read it the first time before marriage. This book helped me understand my relationship better. I goes into detail about how women work, and helps to understand better their pressures and their hormones. It pointed out things I never thought were issues. I recommend the book to anyone looking to help their relationship, or just to keep your relationship healthy. Even today many of the principles can still be applied, especially in regard to women in general.

[Marty Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes. Found this while purging my shelves and speed-read this to see if it was dreadful (it is), and to put another book toward my Goodreads quota.
Packed with outdated stereotypes, debunked science, and endless warnings of how the feminists and homosexuals have ruined everything, this is a real whirlwind that always seems to spin back to what women need to do (don't nag, don't be too depressed, keep up!). Fellas, your wife doesn't just want you to understand that she's stressed with housework - she wants you to share the load. She doesn't just need you to know she has emotions - she needs you to be emotionally mature. We can do a lot better.

[Lisa Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and great insight - for men or women.

[Suzette Bent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book in Kingston Jamaica at a store that sells used book. It was a special purchase that taught me something new.The simple, practical and humorous style of Dr James Dobson makes it a page-turner.I learned so much about myself as a woman from a man.The ten causes of dissatisfaction in women are universal and relatable.Any woman or man who reads this book will never think the same after reading it. Dr James vindicate wives who make the incredible sacrifice as mothers and home-sustainers.I bought the first edition and after forty-seven years this book has transcended the changing times and remained relevant.I would recommend wives and husbands to read this book together.It could save marriages and heal many families.It is one of my favourite books about marriage,home and family.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting little book that I ended up getting a copy of recently, so I figured I might as well read it. It's an old book ('70s) and parts of it really feel dated. Some books age better than others: this one isn't painfully dated, but parts of it just don't apply anymore, or read weird because nobody writes like that anymore. However, a lot of it is still quite good, and it was informative and helpful.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It helps women understand what is reasonable to expect from their husbands about marriage. It's a good idea to read Dr. Dobson's companion book, "What Husbands Wish Their Wives Knew About Men", too - just to keep it balanced. :)

[Christopher Hough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only 20% of men will read this book.

For men looking at comments as cliff notes...read the book!

"Inferiority is the best kept secret of the year, yet it is one which wives most wish their husbands comprehended."

[Maryann]

Wonderful insight for marriage, though it didn't save mine! I did alot of reading in those days!

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, recommended reading for men and women.

[Randolph Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is old but never outdated. I haven't read it in years and decided that it was due for a rare re-read (which I only do for the best books). It correctly predicted and explored the (now obvious) dangers of the sexual revolution. It affirms the scientific facts that women and men will always be different and no amount of surgery or cross-sex hormones will change that. It hearkens back to a much more healthful era when men and women's roles were more clearly defined - much to the benefit of both sexes. Feminism and the sexual revolution were harmful to both men and women and is in large part responsible for the epidemic of depression and anxiety today. On a more personal level, if you want to build a better, more loving relationship with your wife, this book is for you. It really does help men understand the fact that women think more emotionally and men think more logically. It supports the non-PC fact that women are usually better nurturers and are generally happier in the home. Men are usually better as providers and generally better in the workforce. Children clearly benefit when the parents fit into these more traditional roles. Better for society and better for the entire family

[Lydia Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt I could have written this book. Yes it was written in the 70’s but so relevant to my marriage today. Thoughts and emotions I couldnt express he expressed so eloquently that I kept tabbing and reading to my husband. Wonderful book to help understand why as women we are feeling a way and how to show that in a helpful way to our very differently emotional husbands. This book meant so much to me and was such an encouragement.

[Chris Renneker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book as a look into the past about what the author highlights what he perceives the important relationship issues and relevant advice of his time. I really find the similarities and differences to the present quite interesting. The book is a good transport back to the mind of previous generations.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good and I enjoyed it. I wish I had read it 10 or 15 years ago when I was a young mom and over stressed. Now I'm a bit past the target age group of this book. I would definitely recommend it to people who are newer parents. Both males and females can read this book.

[Hyacinthe Fallu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little old fashioned (naturally) but I’d say that it mostly stands the test of time. Relevant information that is still true today. Good message that will hopefully help reinvigorate the family commitment in our society.

[Dekota Lancaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read and helped me understand some differences between a husband and a wife.

[Byron Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buen libro para tratar de comprender pero comprendiéndonos primero

[Bryon Brandt]

This book was a gift from a friend, who asked me to read it TWICE, then Return.

[Alex Ponce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, the author provides vast information about marriage and basic elements to take into consideration.

[James Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided some good information and introduced me to a few new ideas. I think this book should be read by married couples. I know it will impact their marriage and lives for the good.

[Andrius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geros pastabos, mintys. Rašymo stilius labai svetimas.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information throughout the book. "Change that which can be altered, explain which can be understood, teach that which can be learned, revise that which can be improved, resolve that which can be settled, negotiate that which is open to compromise."

Things I took note of:
Trying to keep a child still is like nailing jello to a tree
Whenever there is an extreme high be beware of the following low
A women who feels ugly is certain to feel inferior. Men tend to value intelligence above
physical attractiveness in themselves. Opposite is true in women.
The average man can see better than he can think
We crave that which we can't obtain, but we disrespect that which we can't escape
Mental health is accepting that which cannot be changed
We value that which we are fortunate to get, we discredit that which we are stuck with and we lust for the very thing which is beyond our grasp. We disdain that same item when it becomes a
permanent possession.
The best way to kill a beautiful friendship is by allowing the other to take advantage. "No matter
how badly you treat me I can't survive without you" Pull away instead of clamping on him,
withdraw, be mysterious don't explode "I can survive without you".
Make no important, life-shaping decisions quickly or impulsively- when in doubt stall for time
Men adore visual stimulation - women by touch
"IT HURTS LESS TO EXPECT NOTHING THEN TO HOPE IN PAIN"

Life can't give me joy and peace, its up to me to will it.
Life just gives me space and time, its up to me to fill it.

[Josue Olvera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pensé que era para hombres pero más bien parece dirigido a mujeres.

"Una mujer que se considera fea, de antemano tiende a sentirse inferior en relación con los demás. Esta presión aumenta más en una sociedad tan erotizada como la nuestra. Es irrazonable que las bases de una sociedad descansen sobre los pilares del sexo, pero en la nuestra ocurre así. Entonces, ¿no es posible que nos dediquemos a premiar la belleza y a castigar la fealdad? Cuando el atractivo y la belleza sexual adquieren tales proporciones, entonces todos aquellos que carecen de estos atributos, necesariamente comenzarán a atormentarse. La angustia estará en proporción de las posibilidades que tenga para competir en el “mercado de la belleza” con eficacia. Porque la mujer se descubre en bancarrota, en relación con la característica femenina más cotizada del momento. Y millones de seres humanos han caído en esa trampa."

James Dobson. Lo que las esposas desean que sus maridos sepan.

[Mrs.Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me in my 7th year of marriage with a 23 month old and newborn. Dr. Dobson identifies and focuses on how women can struggle and battle depression in amidst the role of a wife and mother. He mentions causes and triggers that are so true yet, I never considered them until reading it. My husband also read this book. I noticed it gave him the capacity to extend patience and understanding in day to day relating where it was obsolete beforehand. This book was written years ago, but he discusses realities every woman faces- no matter the generation. I recommend it for any couple, male and female.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was not the book I thought it was going to be but after reading it I understand the title better. This is really a book of information about women not so much advice for husbands in regards to their wives. However for what it was it was informative which fits the books aim. You will have to decide for yourself whether or not simply being informed about "how women work" is really something your looking forward to. After my initial let down I did feel the better for reading it in the end.

[Dj Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Dobson shares insights into a woman's life and the top ten reasons that they might experience depression. In raiding this I have gathered helpful information in looking for ways to alleviate possible depression sources in my marriage.

Great read for any man who wants a peaceful, long, and satisfying life with his wife.

[Chris Cassity · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and were encouraged to read this book for part of our pre-marital study. I found it very good and had given me a better glimpse of what it's like to be in a marriage relationship. We are 10 years going strong and Lord willing many many more

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated: B+

[Larry Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book for husbands; i use it in premarital counseling

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reread this and should do so again. Very helpful.

[Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "Just what does she want?" Dr. Dobson uncovers some of these questions and how to address them in a loving way with your wife. Great book.