St. John Chrysostom's homily on marriage.

Even if you see her belittling you, or despising and mocking you, still you will be able to subject her to yourself, through affection, kindness, and your great regard for her. There is no influence more powerful than the bond of love, especially for husband and wife.

Still, I wonder if MRActivists and alpha males would subscribe to this, or if they believe that the exercise of authentic masculinity precludes this. Some of the more immature PUAs will doubtlessly disagree. But one kind be kind and affectionate, and yet firm and steadfast in one's convictions, no? It is not clear that St. John is including regular emotional abuse here; when do verbal put-downs become emotional abuse?

I should read Taming of the Shrew.