Frog, I think I can see what you are trying to say, and to a point I agree with you. I think we agree that from time to time men and women, in unfortunate circumstances, will hit one another. Perhaps a heated argument where tempers get out of control, someone's drunk, who knows. But it happens. Sure.

Where we don't agree I think is that I disagree that hitting someone should be kept as an option at the back of your mind, or that it is ultimately acceptable. Yes men hit their wives in every culture, I know that. But in few cultures I can think of would the man wake up the next morning and think that what he did was okay, instead of waking up feeling ashamed that he hurt the one he loved.

It's the same with smacking your kids. In the past (certainly when I grew up!!) it was fine to hit your kids when the circumstances warranted it. People do still feel that it is okay to hit children, but only in the most extreme circumstances, such as when another person could be in danger, for instance.

But I can still see no circumstances where the only way to get through to your wife is to beat her. It's an outdated suggestion, with all due respect.