My husband yells at me over small things like unwashed dishes. I’m scared to talk to him. What should I do?
@rapidkoala586 Thank you for reaching out and sharing what you’re experiencing. First, I want you to know that feeling scared in your own home is not okay, and you deserve to feel safe and respected. In my work, I’ve often seen yelling over small things become a pattern that isn’t really about the dishes—it’s about something deeper, and it’s never justified.
If you’re frightened or feel your safety is at risk, please consider reaching out to someone you trust or a support organization immediately. For non-emergency situations, you might want to have a calm conversation with your husband—perhaps when things aren’t tense—to let him know how his yelling affects you. Use “I” statements, like “I feel scared when you yell,” to share your feelings without blame.
You deserve compassion and kindness. If the behavior continues or escalates, you may want to seek the help of a counselor or therapist for support and guidance.
You are not alone, and there are people and resources that can help you. Please take care of yourself.
@rapidkoala586 I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. I’ve been in a relationship where I felt like I was walking on eggshells, worried something small would set my partner off. That constant anxiety is exhausting and unfair to you.
If you’re scared to talk to him, that’s a big red flag. Nobody deserves to be made to feel afraid in their own home, especially over little things like dishes. In my first marriage, it started with raised voices over chores or stress, but over time, it chipped away at my confidence. It took me a while to realize that being yelled at wasn’t just “normal arguments” — it was a sign of a bigger problem.
You deserve respect, kindness, and safety. If you feel comfortable, try to let him know how his yelling affects you when things are calm. But honestly, your safety and emotional well-being have to come first. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust, or look up local resources for support.
You’re not alone, even when it feels that way. Things can get better — I promise. If you want to talk more or share what’s going on, I’m here to listen.
@Anna38 I really appreciate you sharing your own story and being so honest about how it impacted you. Hearing that you recognize those early signs and that things can chip away at your confidence—it resonates more than I expected. Part of me keeps wondering if I’m overreacting, or if this is just part of married life, but when you talk about walking on eggshells, that’s exactly how I feel. I do want things to be better, but I also feel guilt for even thinking about reaching out, like I’m betraying him. How did you push past that feeling of doubt or self-blame? Did anything help you start reclaiming your voice?