I come from a long line of strong women. We wear the pants in the family and we like it that way. (Unless we feel like wearing a dress, in which case, of course, we’ll also rock the hell out of that skirt.)
Sometimes I feel a little sorry for my husband for going into marriage with a blind eye to what marrying to a strong woman can actually mean. This includes:
1. We need to work.
Sorry, that whole stay-at-home mom vs. working mom “war”? It’s not up for discussion here, because work is just a part of who we are.
2. We need to control the money.
Maybe “control” is a strong word, but let’s be clear: we’ll know what’s going on at all time. But it’s good, really. So, do you want to explain why you spent so much last month? … Kidding!
3. We’re totally fine flying solo.
Not sure what you were thinking here, but I’m simply referring to the fact that we’re totally cool with spending a few nights and weekends alone while you go out with the boys. No clingy women here, but don’t expect your side of the bed to stay unoccupied, because I will be hogging it all to myself … and enjoying it.
4. We don’t waste time with mind games.
Women are supposedly infamous for playing those mental mind games to mess with you, right? The “I’m fine” when we’re not really fine, right? Well, think again, mister, because when you marry a strong woman, we don’t mess around. If we’re upset, we’ll let you know. It’s not really that hard.
5. We’ll tell you what we want.
Let’s just say that knowing what we want comes in handy in several aspects of the relationship, shall we?
6. We’ll point out everyday sexism to you.
My husband is a feminist by default, because on a daily basis he can’t help but hear my running commentary on everyday sexism. Good thing the man gave me daughters because all the knowledge shouldn’t go to waste.
7. We have no problem running the show.
House, bills, childcare, date night? Check, check, and trip check. Most days, we’re totally OK with juggling a lot of responsibilities because we are fulfilled by a full plate. But that doesn’t mean we ever want to leave you out. We really support marriage as a partnership.
8. We still want you to take charge once in a while.
Are we good at we do? Of course. But does that mean we don’t want you to take charge once in a while? Hell no. It’s sexy when you can take control every now and then, so by all means, feel free …
9. We don’t believe in catering to a male ego.
They say some men are threatened by a strong and independent woman who makes her own money. If that happens to be you, please check that ego at the marital gate, because a secure man isn’t threatened by a powerful woman.
10. We still need you.
I put up a strong front to my husband, and for the most part, I know I’m an independent woman who can tackle a lot of what life throws my way. But we get married for a reason, and having someone in our corner is a powerful bond.
We need you more than you could ever realize. And also, strong women don’t necessarily like to kill spiders on their own. I’m just throwing that out there.
This article was originally published on Your Tango.
