It`s pretty common thinking that men get their self-esteem from their job and being able to provide for their family . . . so what happens when he`s not the one earning more?

In our family, I earn more and I have to say that it`s a bone of contention from time to time, and not just on my husband`s side! It`s not uncommon for work at home moms to earn more than their husbands, particularly after several years of hard work. And the stress caused by this extra tension on the marriage can be bad for both relationship and business.

From the Male Perspective

What are guys complaining about when their wives earn more? Here are a few (feel free to add your own in the comments, please!):

• The housework isn`t getting done (yes, sexist, perhaps, but true)
• They don`t get enough attention from their wives
• They feel dominated, particularly if they aren`t working
• Inability to buy things they want because they don`t have extra cash
• Their wife is too tired for sex

From the Female Point of View

Things aren`t all peachy for the work at home mom either . . . here are a few problems women face when they earn more than their man (again, leave your own in the comments):

• They resent that they have to work AND often do most of the housework and childcare
• That their husband has a say in how to spend their money
• Social pressures indicate that the woman should step back and let the male earn more
• The extra stress involved in being the main breadwinner

It`s not easy to be in a non-traditional family, earning wise. Do you earn more than your man? How has it affected your relationship?