Relationships May 18, 2017
The age-old contrast between men and women has been present long before A-line skirts and “Honey, I’m home!” became popular.
However, times change, and over the past 50 years – and particularly within the past decade – the role that men and women play in each other’s lives on a romantic level has shifted. In today’s society, many people are no longer allowing themselves to be subjected to traditional and institutionalized ideas of gender roles in relationships. For a little clarification, the official definition of gender roles in the dictionary is described as “the public image of being a particular gender that a person presents to others.”
Basically, this describes both the way that women, particularly in Western cultures, have been conditioned for many years to play the single role of the homemaker and child bearer in a relationship, nurturing and providing. On the other hand, men have been taught that they should be the strong head of the family, providing financial security and protection. The issue with this set of ideals is that people are not all cut from the same cloth.
Not every woman wants to be a stay at home mom. And some may not have the time or patience to come to everyone’s emotional rescue. Similarly, not every man wants to be the sole breadwinner of the family. Others may just want to express their softer, emotional side without being questioned.
Millennials are especially at the forefront of this revolution of gender norms, and it’s about time. Breaking free of suffocating standards effectively paves the way for romance that is far more equal in terms of daily responsibilities, life goals and respect.
This is exciting news because this way of interacting creates the potential to bring a greater harmony and joy to everyone involved, without putting unnecessary pressure on any individual to conform to any one way of behavior.
If you’re new to this concept and have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t be alarmed. Here’s a list of several benefits that welcoming a little role reversal in your romance brings. Let’s put it this way: if you’re looking for a healthy love life, get yourself a man (or woman) who can do both.
Believe it or not, Eastern philosophies have already been on to this idea for ages. The ever popular yin and yang symbol is not just a cool tattoo that your yoga instructor has on their ankle. It’s a representation of both the male and female energy that every individual has within them.
Yin and Yang are the belief is that in order to create the perfect harmony within the body, we must acknowledge and embrace these two forces. In that way, we can live emotionally healthy and joyful lives.
So maybe your badass-motorcycle-riding boyfriend also loves to ugly cry with you when Ryan Gosling sweeps Rachel McAdams off her feet in “The Notebook.” Or maybe after strutting home from work in your favorite pair of heels you throw on your sweatpants and head to the boxing gym with your sweetheart. That’s great! Own that masculine power and honor that feminine strength! You and your darling can do it all, and grow deeper in love together in a partnership that supports and acknowledges both sides of the coin.
Own that masculine power and honor that feminine strength! You and your darling can do it all, and grow deeper in love together in a partnership that supports and acknowledges both sides of the coin.
If you’re not convinced by the logic of the spiritual mindset mentioned above, guess what? There’s scientific evidence that confirms that busting through the gender mold makes you a more well-rounded and adapted individual. The founder of the Bem Sex Role Inventory, Sandra Bem, discovered that individuals who showed more androgynous traits were typically more skillful in their personal lives than those who displayed only masculine or feminine characteristics. Maybe this is because these people had an easier time of relating to a larger spectrum of individuals, and could acclimate more quickly to different masculine or feminine environments and social situations. Either way, who doesn’t want to be
The founder of the Bem Sex Role Inventory, Sandra Bem, discovered that individuals who showed more androgynous traits were typically more skillful in their personal lives than those who displayed only masculine or feminine characteristics. Maybe this is because these people had an easier time of relating to a larger spectrum of individuals, and could acclimate more quickly to different masculine or feminine environments and social situations. Either way, who doesn’t want to be savvier in their love life?
When you think about it, being adjustable in your gender expression makes understanding where your significant other is coming from an easier task.
Being able to see certain topics through both a masculine and feminine lens will allow you and your beau to recognize and empathize with each other on a regular basis. Additionally, you’ll be able to cut out unnecessary and trivial arguments over things like household chores or what you should do on your next weekend trip to (did someone say football game and couples spa retreat? Where do I sign up?)
