Ask Amy: Husband speaks Welsh, wife says “na”
Your husband is not being deliberately rude. I think he is trying to communicate with his landsmen using expressions that are unique to a very small population. He is seeking a sort of verbal “cwtch” (a comforting hug). In doing so, he is also defying centuries of English cultural and language dominance (and often, outright oppression).
There are many Welsh primers available to study the language. I have also checked a popular language-learning app; Welsh is one of the languages they offer for instruction. It would serve multiple purposes for you to become conversant, and I hope you will. (I just finished my first lesson — so “lechyd da!”)
Dear Amy: I have been in a long-distance relationship for a year. My boyfriend and I live in different countries.
We used to meet once a month, but since the pandemic, we have not seen one another for seven months.
We keep in constant communication through texting, video calls, and voice messages. This has helped to maintain our bond.
Unfortunately, when we have a very simple misunderstanding, he withdraws and goes silent on me for days — even for a week — where he won’t answer my calls or respond to text messages.
This has happened more than 10 times over the course of the year, and it really drains me emotionally.
Recently we had a pretty innocent disagreement, but he said that I have abused and disrespected him, and that he won’t stand for it.
He said our relationship is fatigued and needs a breather.
He then said that we need a “health break.” He never defined how long this break should be.
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