Hints to Young Wives

Referring to “Hints to Young Wives” by Fanny Fern

This piece reminded me of the advice someone gave me once, “Never love anyone more than they love you.” When things were good, they were never good enough. When they are bad, it’s your fault. Relationships are a negotiation, not just a compromise. The negotiations begin with the first hello. The cement for the relationship starts drying within the first two weeks. Boundaries and rules are chiseled in the stone nonverbally. The initial action will set the tone for the rest of the relationship.

Now that men and women are virtually on an equal playing field, you would think things would be better for the battle of the sexes. Since divorce is at an all time high, however, something must be amiss. Men are still expected to hold open doors and financially support their wives. Anything else is still considered taboo. Equality to women basically means no more expectations for them, though. A woman has no problem letting a man pick up the tab; it’s something we are supposed to do. From a woman’s point of view, however, it’s “What’s yours is ours and what’s mine is mine.”

A lot of people suggest that a prenuptial arrangement will cast a shadow of doubt on a marriage; marriages are supposed to be a union of love. I hope those idealists don’t live in a community property state. The divorce rate says that you only have a fifty percent chance that your significant other will not find anything better, financially or otherwise.