Whether you like it or not, you have to treat your woman similar to how you'd treat your child... in other words, you do NOT go telling her all your business and making her feel scared or jittery because you're always complaining or worried about something. You're supposed to be that rock she can depend on, not that husband homegirl she's sharing juicy gossip and all your life details with. Sharing information with her that makes you look like you don't have it all together, you're weak, you're scared or whatever is going to make her lose respect for you and get away from you.
All them movies and weak rnb songs got mens' minds messed up thinking their woman is their homeboy or therapist. We got different roles, and your role as a man is to be a leader, and in return you demand her obedience. All of this equal, equal, she's mah buddy nonsense is going to get you destroyed. If she can't look up to you she's going to look down on you.