Work Issues

Daphne: You're never home. You realize that. Your kids are growing up. And you hardly see them.
I miss you. I feel abandoned and alone. I didn't get married to be a widow. I want you to care about me as much as you care about your job.

Richard: You know I would be home more if I could.
I feel hurt that you don't understand and appreciate me. I want to be able to provide all of us with a better life.

Daphne: That doesn't console me. And it doesn't help your children.
I don't want things. I want a partner.

Richard: I would be home if I could. You know I can't be. This job is not going to happen again. I love my work and I love building this company.
I feel torn. But I can't dedicate myself to the family right now. You need to understand that.

Daphne: I know you love your work. But you need to set some limits. You need to be home before they go to sleep. They're growing up without you. They need a father. And I need somebody to talk to.
If you cared about the family, you would find a way to set limits.

Richard: I'm trying. I want to be home. But I can't set my hours. I've got too much work. I don't have time now to do all the work I need to do. This is not a 9 to 5 job. This is a job that demands all of me.
I can't handle any more demands from home when I have so many at work. Why can't you be supportive? I feel guilty being away from you and the kids but I just don't see any way around it.

Daphne: I need to know that you're going to be home sometimes. Can't you tell me that you're going to be home two nights a week before the kids go to sleep? That's all I'm asking for. It's not so much.
I have been supportive but there's a limit. I didn't get married for you to have an affair with your job.

Richard: It is for me. I can't make a promise like that.
I get nervous that I won't be able to fulfill my promises.

Daphne: Richard. It's got to stop. I need you.
I need help and love.

Richard: I'm trying. I'm torn. But I need to be at work.

Daphne: So give us one day.

Richard: I'd like to. I want to. But I can't.

Daphne: Every weekend you're working. Even when you're home the phone is always ringing. I can't handle it. I married a man, not an automaton who is always working. There is more to life that work.

Richard: Don't you want me to be a success?
You don't understand how important it is for me to make this business work. I need this to make myself feel worthwhile. I need this to feel good about myself.

Daphne: Of course. But there's got to be a way to be more balanced. And I'm at the point that I'd rather live in a trailer park and see you than have you so obsessed with this company.

Richard: I don't need this pressure now. I've got a big meeting in the morning and I've got to prepare.

Daphne: Go prepare. But you know I need somebody who is going to be around for me. Who cares about me. And the kids. I need you home.
I deserve somebody who feels good about being a father and a husband. All I can do is threaten you because nothing else works.

Richard: Are you threatening me?

Daphne: No. I'm not threatening you. I'm simply stating the facts. I need somebody to speak to. I need somebody who is there for me.

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