In Praise of Evolving Men
I know that you guys get a raw deal sometimes. Most of humanity’s problems (rightly or wrongly) get laid on your doorstep. I’ve been quick in my life to point out the wrongs done to me and mine by men.
So, I just wanted to give credit where credit is due. I’ve noticed lately that there’s a change in many of you guys. I see some of you out with your families wearing the baby in the baby sling, or pushing the stroller while your wife walks beside you. I hear about many of you taking time away from careers to be stay-at-home dads. I see you participating in your marriages and children’s lives at levels I’ve never seen before — 10 years ago I didn’t see this, but I see this now.
I’m enjoying having conversations with you now days, knowing that you are paying more attention to what I’m saying and you are making eye contact with my actual eyes (as opposed to chest) now — although this may have more to do with the fact that I’m a more matronly 30-something than the perky 20-something I used to be . . .
I remember the time when I could easily say that men this and women that, but it’s starting to feel outdated now, as if the old stereotypes are getting further and further away from what we are becoming.
I’m grateful to be married to one of your evolved members. My husband is not only a great father, but he does more than his fair share of the household duties (meaning more than I do) and is ultra-supportive of all my projects and my efforts outside the home, which are numerous.
So I guess I just wanted to let you know that I notice and appreciate the efforts you guys have taken to evolve. Women with whom I’ve talked to about these changes do too.
January 25th, 2007 at 5:46 am
I stayed home to take care of my daughter 27 years ago! I was home taking care of here when Maggie Thatcher was waging war in the Faulkands.
I dropped the stereotypes long ago.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Wish I could take credit for evolving, but really I’m just getting old and too tired to argue with my wife. But I take out the garbage, balance the checkbook, wash dishes, help with the snow shoveling and change an occasional light bulb.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:19 am
I’m married to one of the more evolved males. He’s a better homemaker than me. But then, I make more money than him. We live through it just fine.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Just a note, ever notice that it is the post meno-pausal women that grow a pair and lead? Soon as the mustache starts to grow, that’s when you can have faith in your female leaders in a mans world, if war is to be waged.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:18 am
That’s sweet. Now, could you get me a beer? ;-)
Actually, I moved out here for my wife’s job. I run my business out of my house, seldom drive, walk to the store and run errands on foot, etc. I’ve found that having one person to run the household while the other makes the money is a pretty good system. The money we save by paying bills on time, clipping coupons, researching and making wiser investments makes it worth the sacrifice. Plus, it’s more eco-friendly. But there are only a couple things today’s men are really good for: programming the VCR, managing the WiFi and taking out the garbage. If you can do that, you’ve got it made, pal.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Tim –
You may have started the movement! Thanks for being so ahead of your time!
Emily–
My husband is a better homemaker than I am, but he still makes more money :( But ow lucky are we? I have a hubby that ’s a great cook, involved dad, persistant housekeeper, plus handyman and a lot of the traditional guy stuff as well. Previous generations of women (except for Tim’s wife and those as fortunate has her) could only dream of finding such a man.