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Women often find themselves living with domestic abuse - emotional and physical, because they are not confident that they can stand up for themselves.
Women often find themselves living with domestic abuse – emotional and physical, because they are not confident that they can stand up for themselves.
“What would you do if I get into a steaming extra-marital affair?” A husband asks, casually. The wife shrugs, unable to understand what to say. How to react.
“Why? Won’t you feel bad?” “Of course, I would feel bad. I’d wonder what went wrong, but I won’t be able to live with you then.” The wife says.
“Can you live without me?” The husband asks. The wife ponders. “No. It’d be very difficult.” “You would leave me? How could you? You love me so much!” The husband says.
“Don’t you love me?” wife. “Yes, I do,” says the husband. “Then why are you asking such questions?” the wife says. “Just asking.” The husband shrugs.
This may sound like a casual, frank conversation between a couple, but don’t you think there’s an indirect message hidden in ‘his’ thoughts? Maybe unintentional, but it reflects something.
Sometimes, this thought can be the root of cheating or any other unfairness inflicted upon an average Indian woman. Thoughts like:
Why do some men think their female partners won’t leave them even if they do something unjustified?
Because she loves her partner so much that she can’t live without him?
No. You love him and need/demand same level of love in return. You won’t accept betrayal and violence. Will you?
Because she is not financially independent and earning money is not that easy?
A woman knew that her husband was cheating on her, but she couldn’t do anything except whining. “If I had a job, I would have left this man,” she said.
Education is important. Acquiring skill (as per your knowledge and interest) is wisdom. It helps you to be financially independent if circumstances demand.
Because she can’t raise the children alone?
Oh, really? You mean a mother can’t raise her children properly? What a joke! In India, most of the times, men are so engrossed in their work that women usually do it alone. What do you say?
Still, this thought is common.
Another woman, living in an oppressive marriage, can’t make any concrete move even though her husband abuses her, physically, mentally, emotionally! Why? Because she has three children to look after. “It’s not easy to raise three children alone. What would I do alone?” she says.
In India everyone asks about the father. Indian society tends to raise eyebrows at single/divorced women.
Now, this is something! Social pressure is huge in such cases. It is unfortunately true. Especially in the middle class society. Some parents tend to let it go just due to social pressure. They realize it, but sometimes, it’s too late. Why can’t women and her parents make themselves confident and strong enough to challenge the society? Marriage of a daughter doesn’t mean she is no more your daughter. Don’t you think so?
Maybe things are changing slowly but when will it change completely?
You will put your ultimate effort in to saving your marriage. Yes, you will, and you should, but you will seek and expect the same effort from him. Won’t you?
Moving on to take a new start sounds inspiring but perhaps it’s not that easy. It takes a lot of courage. But remember, there’s always a new morning beaming with possibilities. Geared up with a new start.
Women are strong. Stronger than they think. A woman just needs to raise her spirit and a concrete step against unfairness. She can bring the change. People will understand, eventually.
Published here earlier.
Image source: pixabay.
Author of 'We Will Meet Again'. Freelance writer and editor. Tarang's works have been published in Good Housekeeping India, Child India, Woman's Era, Alive and in a best-selling anthology "Uff Ye Emotions read more...
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