When I was in Canada, I used to use the CIC hotline a lot ..... spending minutes just to go through the automated system trying to access my file. Do they still have that option to check application status via phone?
My partner and I used to fight, argue and B**** a lot about this whole process. It was always a "who knows more" fight-fight situation. Sometimes it used to get out of hand. The stress and frustration is overwhelming and the least of things can tick the mind off into a tantrum to fight. After my interview, we hardly ever fight and argue about everything. We do bicker but it's just for silly things now.
I think like "tinker" said, marriage life just takes a toll on all of us to weigh out who is strong at handling it and who is feeble.