Wife talks too much

My wife talks too much. Even when we are watching television, she keeps talking without getting tired. Sometimes I just want to enjoy the programme in peace, but she continues talking until I no longer know whether I am watching the television or listening to her. I had viewed this habit positively before our marriage and that perhaps she was just talkative and charming. However, as days go on, it is becoming annoying and intolerable. Can I file for a divorce?

BM, Mwanza

We are sorry to hear about your story. We understand that marriage requires patience, but your situation may be testing that patience. In Tanzania, divorce is governed by the Law of Marriage Act, Cap. 29 [R.E. 2023] (the Act). Under section 107 of the Act, a Court may grant divorce where it is satisfied that the marriage has broken down irreparably. In determining whether a marriage has broken down irreparably, the Court considers the circumstances of each case, including matters such as adultery, cruelty, desertion and other conducts that may demonstrate that the spouses can no longer reasonably live together as husband and wife. In our opinion, we don’t see ‘talking too much’ as a circumstance which can evidence that the marriage has broken down irreparably.

Therefore, the fact that your wife talks throughout your favourite television programme, although clearly is a serious test of your patience, would not by itself be sufficient evidence that the marriage has broken down irreparably. In our view, before rushing to Court, you may wish to consider some less drastic solutions. For example, you could politely ask her to give you a few minutes of silence during the programme. A more unilateral tactic, you can resort to increasing the volume of the television, so you do not hear what she is saying and that could be indirectly sending a message that you are not happy. You can think of others. We wish you all the best.