An interesting thread
I don't think model railroading means fewer divorces, I think that model railroading is a symptom of a good marriage or a bad one rather than a cause per se. Where conflict occurs, it usually is about the relationship basis. For example, the modeler who spends all their time on their trains, who neglects doing things around the house that need to be done or who neglects things that their significant other wants to do, or spends a ton of money on their hobby that strains other necessities, it is a problem because it shows disrespect to the other person. It is disrespectful to dismiss something your spouse enjoys, even if you don't enjoy it yourself, it is worse when someone (to me) allows worries about 'what will other people think' to override the joy the other person gets out of what they do. It isn't one sided, I have seen plenty of people with trains who dismiss things their SO loves to do, or worse, grumbles that they are 'wasting their time' with something....I can see a spouse resenting let's say spending 1500 bucks on an engine when the kids tuition at college is due or you need a new roof, but I wouldn't respect it if they said "that is a waste of money" if otherwise they could afford it and the person buying it likes it. In the end if the model railroading is a point of contention it likely means other elements in the relationship aren't in synch, other aspects of communication and love and respect aren't there. It is kind of ironic, in my relationship the conflict is that I have an extremely hard time spending money on myself, I have no problem spending money on my wife or son with things, gladly do so, but when it comes to me I have to sneak purchases past myself.....
