Should a woman depend on a man?

@Glow1971 (354)
Spain
May 17, 2009 11:42am CST
Two days ago I had a conversation with an old acquaintance of mine. I haven't spoken to her in a while and we had to catch up on many things. To my surprise, she told me she got married and quit her high paying job just to stay home because her new husband told her that he will take care of her. She doesn't have any children with this person so why would she think of leaving a highpaying job just to stay home and do nothing. I remember her being extremely independent and able to provide for herself and I really feel she shouldn't have left her job just because her husband mentioned he will take care of her needs. I wonder if she is completely blind to the fact that nothing is written in stone and I hope he's really a good person but what if his intentions are not what she thinks they are? What do you think of this situation? Should I say anything to her the next time I talk to her? If so, what do you think I should say?
5 people like this
29 responses
@dlr297 (5409)
• United States
17 May 09
Why shouldn't a woman depend on the man that she has married, that is what a man is supposed to do. My husband has never wanted me to work either, and why do you think that staying at home instead of doing a high paying job is nothing. Being a house wife and taking care of my man is very rewarding, and my days are not boring. Why would you want to be so independent and take care of yourself when you enter into a partnership with some one.
2 people like this
@dfollin (24172)
• United States
17 May 09
You are totally right.I have seen couples,where the woman chooses to stay home and the man says,well you stay home and do nothing.Then she gets a job and doesn't have time then to do the bills,cleaning,shopping,laundry and have dinner ready when he gets home(most of the time,lol). I am personally not one of those kind of career,9 to 5 people.I much rather stay home,help family and friends when and as I can,do hobbies and whatever else I can.
@jmlynn (46)
• United States
18 May 09
I personally wouldn't say anything or get involved, but that's just me. He didn't force her into doing anything and maybe she wasn't happy doing what she was doing anymore? In that position, it's really hard for me to say what I'd do because my husband wouldn't dream of letting me do that (for long anyways). I'd love for my husband to want to take care of me like that but he is money hungry and the more money the better in his eyes no matter what the emotional consequence because I hate my job. I say she is a lucky woman, a very lucky woman if he stays true to his word and they can make their bills just fine...
@Margajoe (4709)
• Germany
18 May 09
I agree with you! I would love to be in that position, no money problems, someone to look after me. I am tired of always looking after everyone else.
18 May 09
I do not think that you should say anything to your acquaintance about this. She has made the choice and sounds like she is happy with this choice thus far. It does sound like a big shame that somebody who was independent could give it up for some guy, no matter how great he is. There is no reason to worry about this, let her get on with it.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24172)
• United States
17 May 09
If she is happy leave it alone.It seems every time I was happy in a relationship that was good.My mother would call me and try to talk me into getting mad at my boyfriend or husband.A friend used to tell me that she felt that my mother was jealous that I had a relationship that was working,because my moms didn't. Your right,you don't know if his intentions are good.You never know what is going to happen.When my husband met me when I was already partially handicapped and was not working.After we were married and our daughter was 2 I wanted to put her into day care part time and my husband could not afford to pay for it along with the other bills.So I got a job I could physically handle to pay for it. For a while I also worked homebased and when he was sick I got a job I also could handle.Then even thou he did have good intentions,not by his choice God decided to take his earthly life.During the time that he was sick,we used what money we had saved. So,it does not mater if he has good intentions or not things could go wrong.That's life.Some people it happens to and some people it doesn't happen to.However if you tell her that his intentions might not be good then you might make her suspicious of him and that might mess up their marriage.I would just simply say to her,"Well since you do not have to work anymore you might want to make sure that you,yourself has money put away for emergencies." Don't say any thing like,in case your husband is a jerk.That would not be a good idea. Good luck.
1 person likes this
• United States
17 May 09
As far as talking to your friend, if she seems genuinely happy with the relationship and the idea that she is going to be taken care of, I wouldn't say anything to her. You don't want to strain your friendship or make her angry with you. One thing I've noticed throughout the years is that when people get into a relationship, they become incredibly irrational and stubborn about anything and everything having to deal with that relationship. If she's happy, let her be. Personally, I don't feel like a woman should depend on a man, and I also don't feel that a man should depend on a woman. Even when in a committed relationship, the two people should be capable of taking care of themselves. When there is a sense of inequality, whether it be through the fact that one or the other does not work, this can eventually lead to problems. Also, many studies have found that most people are actually happier when they have a job or something to focus on. I'm a huge believer in equality, and I think this definitely extends to the workforce as well. If there are no children, or considerations of that nature, both members of a marriage or couple should have a job and a source of income. Not only does this give the couple something to talk about (comparing days at work, etc.) it keeps people from getting bored and provides a much better economic source than just a single partner working. Another important point to consider is that if the couple ever divorces or separates, both members should still be capable of taking care of each other after the split. Especially in today's job market, when one has not worked for an extended period of time, it can be very difficult to get back into the swing of things and find another job or begin working again. Short answer: If your friend is happy, good for her. Personally, I believe she should keep her job and both her and her partner will be happier in the long run.
1 person likes this
@Glow1971 (354)
• Spain
17 May 09
I wish I could tell her not to quit her job but she already did. I find it unbelievable! Thanks for your post
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
18 May 09
Maybe she just gave it a try, trusting her husband and believe that being a full time housewife would make them more happy. Should the husband is earning more than enough to support the family, I think it's alright. If later they would realize the wife need to go back to work, for sure she will. She's just following the decision of her husband maybe out of respect anyway, she could go back working should she found out, there's a need to.
@code_11 (902)
• Nigeria
18 May 09
Sometimes its wish to let her be but then as a friend i strongly think you should yet her tell you what she has in mind, You shouldn't just jump in and tell her to go get a job. First find out all the while she was work was she enjoying it or was she working then cause she had to. Yeah don't turn from a good friend to a bad one.
@cudamani (996)
• India
19 May 09
It is a question that requires a lot of thinking. It is also tough to answer. I think that a woman should depend on a man only on certain maters and not all matters. These certain matters are concerned with her own living and the living of her children.
@fifileigh (3615)
• United States
19 May 09
women depending on men is pathetic and old. that is how it was back in 1970s and older. the 1980s started the independence trend. do ur own thing on the side, even if u r married and even if it is part time.
• Saint Lucia
19 May 09
I think she should have kept her job because it would serve as a back up plan.She should have at least say to him lets wait til we have a baby by then she would have been able to save enough money to put away.Its her choice and i think that she knows what she wants.She seems like a smart woman so just be a good friend lending her your support and advise her to keep up with technology.I wouldnt quit my job for my husband because i like my indepence and thats what having a high paying job gives us.Maybe he felt threatened by the fact that she is making good money.Some men feel intimidated by an independent,strong woman.
@Effusive (156)
• United States
18 May 09
I to have a friend who got married and left her job for her husband who said that he would take care of her. It is not that he does not but especially as a independent woman it is very hard to adjust. Yeah in the beginning it is very good until you start to have to ask him just for a dollar so you can buy yourself something. When you don't work they think that you should do all the housework and all the cooking. They think that they pay all the bills so they shouldn't have to do anything else. I would say something as you are her friend. I really do hope that it does work out for her. I do not think that anyone should quit their job to have someone else take care of them. You should at least keep a part time job so that you will have your own money. Ask her don't you remember when you got your first job and no longer had to ask your parents for money? Why go backwards, to go from being independent to be dependent? I really don't understand it. Yeah it sounds great to not work but it doesn't always work out as great as it sounds. They have no kids or else I would understand staying home as daycare is very expensive. Well I wish your friend all the luck in the world.
@prinzcy (32322)
• Malaysia
17 May 09
Based on woman around me, I don't think we should depend too much on a man. Of course he said he'll take care of us. Things will change over the years and more responsibilities will arise. When the time come, situation will be more complicated. Having a job is not only to help family financial problem, it also serves as back up for us if anything happen during our marriage. It's not like we're hoping that that something will happen but it's for our own protection. I've seen a lot of single mother having tough time after their husband is gone. They didn't have any job to support themselves and having trouble finding one as they need to compete with more qualified candidates.
@Glow1971 (354)
• Spain
17 May 09
That's exactly how I feel. Thanks for your post
@omiami (412)
• Malta
18 May 09
I agree with you. She shouldnt have left her job. If I was in her place i wouldnt have quit my job. I dont see the reason why I should do that. She has just got married and havent got any kids yet. At least if both of them work, they can save some money for the future and maybe when she will have kids, then she can decide to stop working. Work is not only important for money but even for the person itself. If I get married, my life will change of course, its a fact. But I would be happy and glad if I can continue to do certain things such as work even though i sort of have a new life. Its not only the money that counts, but the things that you actually love doing normally. I dont know if you should talk to her. You dont know how she might react.
• United States
19 May 09
I believe this is life. Once we pass puberty these are the decisions that we make that make us adults. You could ask her if she is OK with giving up her job.....and things like that. Most people respond negatively when you question their judgment. Otherwise, a friend is there for her if the worst happens with a gallon of fudge ripple and two spoons.
@Margajoe (4709)
• Germany
18 May 09
There is nothing to say. She made her decision. Actually it is not your business. When she is happy, you should be happy for her. I would love to have a real man look after me. That does not mean a women is dependent on a man. She looks after him too. They are happy, she takes care of his needs too. She makes him happy and they love each other, what more can one want? It would be different if you could say she is being mistreated and stays with him, then she is being depended in a wrong way. But, then she is not happy. Are not all couples dependent on each other in one way or another? This is the way I think. Take care.
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
18 May 09
no.. a woman needs to stand up, speak up and be independent!
@caskins (689)
• United States
18 May 09
Hello Glow1971, If you talk to your friend about it she might get upset. As a good friend just support her maybe she'll come around and she will see things different. Personally I wouldn't have given up my job. Happy myLotting!
@cindyhxf (1446)
• China
18 May 09
anyway,it is her choise.i think she knew what she did.maybe her new husband has lot of money and no need her to work again or she just wanted to have a rest first then go for new job later.good day,friend
@Archie0 (5636)
18 May 09
ya i think she should not leave her job because according to me her job will become her power... if she is leaving her job as per her husband then she is completely wrong in doing so..tomorrow her husband might even leave her then where is she suppose to go?? She should not believe on any one except herself.Her job will save her life and she can live more independently. thats my advice
• China
18 May 09
When a man told a woman that he will take care of her forever, the woman must be touched, but it does not mean you need to quit your high paying job. Work is a link between man and society, if we just stay at home to be a housewife, we will find less and less common topic between you and your husband, and slowly, you will find that you are not acquaint with your husband. No matter whether your are on duty, and as long as you chose the right person as your husband, i think he still will take care of you forever.