What did you give up?

mep said:
Happy wife happy life is an old myth. The problem is they never stay happy for long.

You stated you live by yourself so this isn't an issue that affects you. If you read some of the stories on this thread, you can see that's not the reality for far too many married audiophiles.
Click to expand...
My spouse of the past 10 years lives next door, and honestly, I find this arrangement to be the golden path. I've experienced married life and moved past it. This setup allows me to live authentically and freely in my own space, without needing to compromise on how I choose to live or interpret life at home.
 
exupgh12 said:
My spouse of the past 10 years lives next door, and honestly, I find this arrangement to be the golden path. I've experienced married life and moved past it. This setup allows me to live authentically and freely in my own space, without needing to compromise on how I choose to live or interpret life at home.
Click to expand...

I'm happy for you. Personally, I find it a wee bit strange to get a divorce only to live next door to the ex, but to each their own.
 
mep said:
I'm happy for you. Personally, I find it a wee bit strange to get a divorce only to live next door to the ex, but to each their own.
Click to expand...
Amazingly enough this is not as uncommon as one might think (I have known 3 couples like this, and I don't know a lot of people)
 
rbbert said:
Amazingly enough this is not as uncommon as one might think (I have known 3 couples like this, and I don't know a lot of people)
Click to expand...

Maybe they can't live together anymore so they become friends with privileges.
 
mep said:
I'm happy for you. Personally, I find it a wee bit strange to get a divorce only to live next door to the ex, but to each their own.
Click to expand...
My new spouse is not my ex; she is a different woman entirely. :)
 
rbbert said:
Which is strange (or bizarre, or inexplicable, or...). It does suggest a question to ask those members here who have felt they needed to "give up" their music systems (or a major part of the system); how could you marry someone who doesn't acknowledge and account for the fact that music and good sound reproduction is one of (or) the most important aspects of your personality? Or is it in fact not an important aspect of your personality (and if not why are you here at Audioshark)?

For me this is more than interest in a hobby which may change or disappear completely over time; it has and will continue to be a huge part of my life and enjoyment in life. Apparently some others here feel differently.
Click to expand...
How many times you been married??Oh wait, you said 3 times. Never mind.
 
exupgh12 said:
Happy husband... stress reduction guaranteed!
or....
  • "Happy husband, harmony guaranteed."
  • "Happy husband, peaceful home."
  • "Happy husband, love grows stronger."
  • "Happy husband, fewer arguments."
  • "Happy husband, happy heart."
  • "Happy husband, happy home."
  • "Happy husband, thriving marriage."
  • "Happy husband, life’s a breeze."
  • "Happy husband, happy family."
  • "Happy husband, love lasts forever."
;)
Click to expand...
How many times you’ve been married? Oh, wait: not married. Never mind.
 
This thread has sort of gone the way of many of them.
When I started it, my comment was what I was willing to give up because I loved my very reasonable wife. It has since turned into a .... She has a lot of nerve, how dare she suggest that. I would get rid of her before my equipment.🤷‍♂️
 
brad225 said:
This thread has sort of gone the way of many of them.
When I started it, my comment was what I was willing to give up because I loved my very reasonable wife. It has since turned into a .... She has a lot of nerve, how dare she suggest that. I would get rid of her before my equipment.🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
If you are happy about your decision that is all that matters to you. Since you chose to share in an Internet forum you should have expected some blowback, and in a forum devoted to all things audio (including high-end) perhaps this has gone the way it should. :ROFLMAO:
 
exupgh12 said:
…. This setup allows me to live authentically and freely in my own space, without needing to compromise on how I choose to live or interpret life at home.
Click to expand...

I have learned that compromise is essential in a relationship. It fosters mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
 
I've been married to the same woman for 40 years now. I had a system when we met and through all those years. When we looked at places to live there had to be a living room that looked like it would be good for music. When we looked to buy our first home that was a requirement.

Just starting out we rented and some small areas so my system was in the living room. Some places we were able to set up a TV in the bedroom for her. Unfortunately she is tolerant but not one to sit in front of the system. One place I wasn't able to set up a TV in another room. It was a rural setting. She had things she liked to do like canning and such but we did watch TV together, it wasn't all music. It just seemed to work itself out as I think back.

When home theater came about it was something we both could enjoy.

The one compromise I mentioned was just that. I respect my wife's opinion and really road cabinets aren't the best interior decor. I mean she didn't say anything about me buying speakers. So I ended up with Infinity Kappa's. It didn't turn out so bad :) Also it was more of a request from her not an ultimatum of some sort. I think it humorous thinking back that I even was going to put those EV in the living room.

I should tell you the one where she bought me a purple outfit because it's her favorite color and I didn't realize what purple had become. After wearing that outfit to work and getting cat calls in downtown, Atlanta she couldn't understand why I didn't want to wear that outfit any more. LOL
 
nicoff said:
I have learned that compromise is essential in a relationship. It fosters mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
Click to expand...
You’re absolutely right, Niccoff—compromise is indeed essential for fostering mutual respect and understanding in any relationship. However, I believe it’s important to emphasize that compromise needs to go both ways. Decisions about the home, shared space, or any big decisions shouldn’t be the sole domain of one partner, whether it’s the man or the woman.

When I read discussions on audio forums, I often see the concept of WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) come up, and I find it a bit troubling. After all, a home belongs to both partners equally, and both should have the right to design, decide, and fully embrace their hobbies without unnecessary compromises that leave one feeling sidelined.

For me personally, this hobby has never been a point of contention. In fact, my ex-wife was the one who initially got me into it, and other women I’ve dated have grown to appreciate it over time. These experiences have reinforced my belief that it’s often men who, consciously or unconsciously, deprioritize their own needs in these situations.

Interestingly, my daughter has recently started showing an interest in audio as well. Seeing her enthusiasm reminds me of how passions like this can bring people together and create shared joy. It’s a great example of how hobbies can be embraced, not just tolerated, in a balanced and respectful way.
 
My dear spouse of almost 25 yrs. is very understanding about my little hi-fi obsession, as she calls it..
Never a whimper from her .. even after I let out a storm of expletives after getting busted knuckles from fooling with the damned stuff .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top