My husband never stops working, but he won’t discuss it. Should I leave him?

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To be allowed to do something
Definition: To have permission to do something.
Example: You are not allowed to park here.
To let (someone) down
Definition: To disappoint someone.
Example: I don't want to let you down.
To be willing (to do something)
Definition: To be happy or prepared to do something.
Example: She is willing to help.
Demanding
Definition: Requiring a lot of time or effort.
Example: Looking after children can be demanding.
To wonder
Definition: To think about something because you want to know more.
Example: I wonder what he is doing.
To be aware of something
Definition: To know about something.
Example: Are you aware of the problem?
To witness (something)
Definition: To see something happen.
Example: She witnessed the accident.
Commitment
Definition: A strong promise or dedication to something or someone.
Example: Marriage requires commitment.
A breakup
Definition: The end of a romantic relationship.
Example: She found the breakup difficult.
To point (something) out
Definition: To draw attention to something.
Example: He pointed out my mistake.
Yet
Definition: 1. Until now; used mainly in questions and negative sentences. 2. But; however (usually after “and” or “but”).
Example: I haven't finished yet. / It was difficult, yet she continued.
Often I think I would feel happier if it was just me and my daughter.
Second conditional: IF + PAST SIMPLE, WOULD + BASE FORM. Used for hypothetical situations and their imagined results.
Example: If I had more money, I would travel more.
To bring (something) up
Definition: To start talking about a subject.
Example: She brought up the problem.
To come across (as something)
Definition: To seem or appear in a particular way.
Example: He comes across as confident.
To be better off
Definition: To be in a better situation.
Example: You would be better off without him.
To presume (something)
Definition: To believe something is true without being certain.
Example: I presumed he knew.
Vow
Definition: A serious promise.
Example: They made a vow to stay together.
You do still love him
Definition: “Do” is used for emphasis, making the statement stronger.
Example: You do understand me.
Having witnessed
A perfect participle meaning “after witnessing” something.
Example: Having witnessed the argument, she left.
The grass is always greener
Definition: Another situation often seems better than your current one.
Example: He thinks another job would be better, but the grass is always greener.
Underlying
Definition: Existing beneath the surface; not immediately obvious.
Example: There are underlying problems in their relationship.
To resent (something/someone)
Definition: To feel bitter or angry about something.
Example: She resents him for lying.
Shackle
Definition: Something that limits or restricts freedom.
Example: He felt trapped by the shackles of responsibility.
A caveat
Definition: A warning or condition to consider.
Example: There is one caveat: it could be expensive.
To chase your tail
Definition: To waste time without making progress.
Example: I've been chasing my tail all morning.

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1.       What does the wife say?

2.       What was the response?

3.       What would be your advice to this woman?

4.       What would be your advice to the husband?

5.       Why do you reckon the husband spends so much time at work?

6.       Do you spend too much time at work?

7.       Does your partner work too much?

8.       Do you remember a time when you did a particularly long shift?

9.       What would be the consequences for you if you spent less time at work?

10.     How have perceptions of divorce changed over time in your native country?

11.     Is it ever acceptable to choose work over family?

12.     Is it possible for you and your family to have meals together every day?

13.     Is working on Sunday a sin?

14.     Do kids notice when parents work too much?

15.     What’s the secret to a happy marriage?