Are You the Ideal Wife?

Throughout history, marriage has been seen as a partnership, but not really an equal one.  The husband was traditionally expected to be the head of the household and provide monetary support to keep the family going.  The wife was expected to love, honor, and obey, and to take care of the bulk of the domestic duties.

Although women have gained many rights over the years, some of these stereotypes still lurk in the shadows.  We are allowed, and in fact expected, to work outside the home.  Yet we are also expected by society to make an equivalent contribution to the housework, and we are held responsible for taking care of the kids’ every need.

There is also a school of thought that believes that a woman must be submissive to her husband.  It’s not as prevalent as it has been in decades and centuries past, but it does still exist to some extent.  To those who see things this way, the husband is expected to be in charge of all major decisions about major purchases, living arrangements, and virtually everything else that relates to the couple or family unit.  The wife may do the grocery shopping and have limited input into bigger decisions, but the husband has final say.

How Things Really Work

Fortunately, that is not the way things work in the majority of marriages.  Most husbands are willing to let their wives take on duties and make decisions that have traditionally been up to them.  In fact, many of them are eager to do so.  In return, they may take a more hands-on approach to parenting, help out around the house, and provide support to their wives in many other ways.

There are still some men who think they must be the breadwinners while their wives take care of all domestic issues.  They may feel that way for religious reasons, or that might have been how things worked in their families when they were growing up.  They often balk at the idea of their wives having lives outside the home.

When dealing with these ideas, it’s best to try to state your case in terms of facts, not emotions.  It is understandable that a woman might be offended by this way of thought, but you won’t change anyone’s mind by getting angry.  It’s better to point out the contributions that women can make to their families and society with their new roles than to resort name calling and mudslinging, no matter how tempting it may be.

Both men and women are beginning to see that wives are capable of much more than the media and society have admitted throughout the years.  As a result, couples are working as a unit rather than following prescribed roles for husband and wife.