Every person has their own thoughts and understanding. In any relationship, whether marital or family, listening to each other, understanding, and making decisions by mutual consent are signs of a strong relationship. Listening to and understanding others is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of understanding and maturity. In today's era of equality and understanding, the foundation of a good relationship rests on mutual communication and respect. However, there was a time when women saying in household matters were limited. Many times in society, men who listen carefully to women are considered weak or inferior on the scale of 'manliness' i.e masculinity. A man listening and following his wife advices raises question on his manhood. It is strange to see the old stereotype thought still exists in many households.
Yesterday, I was at a relative home, when I heard an old lady around 75 years of age raising question on his grandson masculinity merely because he usually listen to his wife. And she thinks that by doing so he is his wife slave. In English, the most formal and common word for a husband who is controlled by his wife is referred as henpecked. But coming across to the old lady words made me to wonder how and why obeying to wife always test a man's masculinity. In old stereotypical family structures, women held a subordinate status, functioning primarily as caretakers and homemakers. They were largely excluded from public life and financial independence, heavily relying on men for decisions. Men were viewed as the head of the household and the sole financial providers. Men held the authority to make all major financial and life altering decisions for the family. Thereby reducing the woman involvement in any family and social matters. Those people who does listen or obey to woman were seen as weak and inferior. Joru ka Gulaam is what used to taunt such person.
In the modern era, time has evolved. Many things have changed and the outlook towards society and family matters have evolved too. In todays time women can been seen raising their voices with ease and their were competing against the Men world with head and shoulders. In a recent newspaper article, it was clearly mentioned that Man who listen to their Women were more happy. It is easily noticeable that, women brings a new perspective and dimension in decision making. Listening to women bridges gaps in perspective, broadens emotional intelligence, and fosters healthier relationships. Women often possess high emotional intelligence and situational awareness. Paying attention to these details can help men see situations with more clarity and nuance. Men who actively listen to women and value their perspectives report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and mental well being.
Listening to the old lady does made me sick for a while. Time has changed but it is very difficult to change the thought and outlook of our older generation. They still live in their past and consider them as the best things. But judging a Man masculinity for obeying wife words is still not getting pass my throat.
In good faith - Peace!!
