my girfriend is not too happy when I spend nights in front of the computer. Sometimes she gats quite annoyed but then she also understands that I have to complete projects and stuff. How much time do you spend with maya per week (average)?
Sometimes I thought it would help if the programm wouldn't have a girls name. They should change it to "handsome eric" or "TVX 7001 professional" that would make it harder, at least for my gir,l to take the piss.
In the end if you don't spend all your time in front of the computer your wife has to understand that she has to give you some freedom. Maybe watch a pixar film or something like that with her (kill to bugs at once taking her for a night out and working on your problem ) so she sees the possibilities maya offers.

good luck