Carolyn Hax: Is it ‘submissive’ to defer to a headstrong spouse?

Husband has strong opinions. Is his spouse, who finds it easier to defer to him on many decisions, too "submissive"? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Sign up for this newsletter Read online Advice to help you tackle life's problems.     (Nick Galifianakis for The Post) Is it 'submissive' to defer to a headstrong spouse? Adapted from two online discussions, here and here. Hi, Carolyn: My calm, even-tempered husband has a somewhat strong personality and some strong opinions. (He became head of his family and breadwinner when he was 15, so it possibly developed then.) On many decisions, I often go along with him, because it's easier and/or I really don't care either way. If I really feel strongly about something, I will speak up, stand my ground and take responsibility for the decision. He is usually a little surprised but does listen and accept it. In general, am I being submissive to him, or am I taking the path of least resistance because it is easier? I don't think of myself as a submissive person, but maybe I am. Thank you for your thoughts. — Submissive? Read Carolyn's Response     ADVERTISEMENT   Want more? Carolyn's been writing her advice column for two decades. Explore the archives below. Taking a united stance against Mom? Read more »   The diet vs. the in-laws Read more »   Keeping the mess out of the marriage Read more »     We think you'll like this newsletter Check out Recipes for seasonal and delicious recipes from Post food editors and experts, every Saturday. Sign up »

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