A Wife’s Role

I’ve been thinking a lot about my role as a wife.

Every other role as a woman comes naturally and I seem to do it without thinking twice. For example, growing up, I never felt “maternal,” but once I had children it was like God flipped a switch. Loving my boys comes naturally and so does caring for them.

I don’t want to be misunderstood. Loving Justin is as easy as breathing. What I’m struggling with is how to live in a world where gender roles are confused and finding role models of women wearing a million hats gracefully are hard to come by.

Photo Credit

I think we’ve taken the Women’s Movement too far. While women deserve the right to vote and to earn as much as a man for the same job done, I disagree with women trying to act like men. Most women I know who attempt it are unhappy.

I watch shows like Downton Abby and movies like A&E’s Pride and Prejudice and I think of what a simpler time it was. There are always struggles, of course, and the work was harder, but there was a respect when it came to women in the form of manners and chivalry.

And I love the dresses and the mannerisms and the trust they had in their husbands to provide for them.

Photo Credit

What I’m having a hard time with is juggling the duties of being a wife, mother and homemaker while pursuing a career on top of it. Everything can’t be done well, so something suffers. But what?

Sometimes I wish we lived in a time where I wasn’t expected to do anything but run a household. In my fantasy, I live in the early 1900s in England and am part of the aristocracy. But the entrepreneurial spirit that courses my veins makes me proud to live in a time where my dreams are within my reach and I have the right to pursue them.

Similarly, I love that men are no longer as chauvinistic as they used to be. As a whole, I think men in my generation are more willing to help around the house, take care of the children and encourage their wives to pursue their dreams. I know my husband does this amazingly well and I am extremely blessed to have him.

So what are we to do? I wish the women who have managed to stay happily married, raise decent children, and accomplish their dreams would be more vocal with advice. I crave it.

Comments

comments

**Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Bethany Jett

Bethany Jett loves sipping coffee and jamming in her planner while raising three boys with her college sweetheart Justin.

July 19, 2012

You May Also Like…

Called to the Sidelines

Called to the Sidelines

No one wants to be on the sidelines. Regardless of the sport, everyone wants to be in the game, not on the bench. The...

If You Want to Date My Son, Part 2

If You Want to Date My Son, Part 2

If you're a veteran of Florida Christian College youth events or a past attendee of FCC or Johnson University Florida,...

If You Want to Date My Son

If You Want to Date My Son

Future girlfriend of my son, We are not a typical family. Dating is not a casual activity. Our boys are brought up to...

2 Comments

  1. clellascorner.blogspot.com

    Oh Bethany, my love, just call. I have all sorts of advice. Maybe that's the book I should write. Major advice is priorities….God first, husband second, children third. You may think that out of order, but the children will leave you (take my word) and you better have a friend in your husband for all those other years. Now what else can I share. Ha Love you and think you are doing God's plan. Clella

  2. Bethany

    I would gobble up a book like that. Send Les a proposal! WE NEED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!And I love knowing you're right there.