Want a happier wife? Be a better husband

When it comes to being a good husband, some guys have an easier time than others, but each man has his own Achilles' heel. Some struggle with putting the toilet seat down. Others have issues with the more fundamental aspects of marriage such as, you know, being faithful. Regardless of the exact nature of your marital issues, finding the sweet spot is a challenge.

Want to be a better husband and father? Here are a few ways to handle the tense times in your household.

1. Complain. We know – the daily grind can get to a man. Your boss is making you work overtime, your kids are crying and your wife is giving you the cold shoulder until you take out the recycling. Want to really make her appreciate you? Make sure that you frequently remind her how much you hate your boss, how family time is interfering with your fantasy league picks, and how much more sex you think your friends are having with their wives.

2. Never admit you're wrong. You insisted that The Last Waltz came out in 1981 (it was '78), that your mother's birthday was in May (it's January 20), and that your daughter's soccer practice was moved to tomorrow (it starts in 5 minutes). Some words of advice: No matter how often your wife is right, it's important that you don't acknowledge it – it'll set a bad precedent.

3. Shirk your responsibilities. When pressures get to you, play hooky from work, turn on PlayStation 3 and download a paycheck's worth of music from iTunes. If your wife gives you a hard time, threaten her with a divorce (a healthy fear of abandonment will prevent her from taking you for granted).

In the end, being a good father and husband is not always (in fact, is very seldom) easy. But, if you play your cards right and show appreciation where appreciation is due, you can figure out a way to be a good role model for your children, a good man to your woman, and still be yourself.