Are those stories about Mary abusive to Abraham overstated???

[Eva Elisabeth]

I really believe it's a matter of different personal views on a happy marriage and resulting interpretations. Both Herndon and Burlingame I think specifically looked for what they dislike(d).
My parents were (respectively my mother still is) strong challenging characters - both needed a likewise spouse (and lots of freedom). 24/7 harmony would have bored both to death, they needed to clash and mend. I think many people couldn't imagine that as a fulfilling way of life/marriage, but to them they were a perfect match.