How can I (41m) better help a wife (40f) whose heavily dependent on me?
I had a conversation with my mother-in-law a few weeks ago about how dependent my wife has become on me for economical and emotional support.
I know that a women's independence is highly praised in society and in subs like this one. However, in my particular case, my wife has limited ability to make money for herself. She's tried several times in the past, but can't seem to make any magic happen economically. We had a child in 2016 and we can afford for her not to work based on my income alone. She's incredibly happy being a full time mom and does a wonderful job raising her while I work and spend time with our daughter when I can. But it still bothers me about the kind of life she would have if I were to pass.
In terms of emotional support, she doesnt have any friends aside from me and her parents. I've been trying to talk with her about networking and she does want to make other friends, but she gets way too nervous talking to strangers and chickens out.
To paint a fuller picture, we met when we were 12 years old, in middle school, became a couple when we were 13, got married at 25, and have enjoyed 15 years or marriage. She has an Associates in early childhood education and I have a bachelor's in Computer Science. I make 110k a year.
We worked hard on our relationship over the years. It is currently healthy in terms of how we communicate and support each other emotionally. We have frequent sex. The few things that I want from her, she meets my wants in spades. Sometimes before I ask for it. I also do a great job meeting her desires. I don't like to say "no" unless I have a good reason. We discuss small and major decisions together and rarely argue.
One consideration mother-in-law had is for her and I to create a contingency plan in the unfortunate event that I were to pass. Everything we could think about that I'm doing for her would go in the plan. All the accounts I am managing and instructions on how to navigate them. All the doctors we see. Dating advice. Budgeting. We would also get input from the wife so that we could format it in a way that's usable to her. This would help bridge the gap for financial support in my absence.
In terms of emotional support, I was thinking about bringing some of my co-workers and church friends to our house so that she can make friends with them.
Are these good suggestions? Do you have better ones?