Sam, by "side" I assume that you actually meant back. It's usually suggested that ports be given a "few inches" of breathing room. Do you mean that if you moved it out just another 2-3" that this wouldn't be acceptable?(if the answer is yes, Ray might have a suggestion relating to your wife). Would pointing the back away from the wall be aesthetically acceptable? Somehow you'll work this out and it won't significantly affect performance. In general, unless the room is square or nearly so, the best place for a single sub is right in a corner, so in that respect your wife's requirements are in accord with the principles of acoustics.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.