What is a "Wife" Anyway

A friend sent me this article from the NYT. Two married women struggle with what to call one another. Interestingly, the article mentions this essay, entitled "Why I Want a Wife"written by Judy Syfers in 1971. The article was originally published in Ms. magazine and distributed in my 9th grade honors English class.

I don't know what my 14 year old self must have thought of the article. I couldn't get a date to homecoming, so the thought of being a "wife" seemed like it was a long way off.

Now, though, re-reading the essay, I'm glad my domestic duties began nearly 40 years after it was written. I would have been really lousy maintaining all the responsibilities the author outlines. Though in some ways "modern" women have more expected of us as many of us also have full-time jobs, it's my contention that we also get more help around the house from our partners.

I've discussed this before, but MacDad is largely, if not entirely, in charge of all the family food preparation that is not supplied by my mamary glands. The chores I take sole responsibility for, I do because I like the way I do it. (The man carries around an unnecessary number of Sharpies which occasionally go through the wash if the pockets are not checked thoroughly. Thus, I do the laundry.)

MacDad is out of town for work, so this morning, I had to get MacBaby ready and out of the house in addition to making myself presentable. This seemed an arduous task, and yet MacDad does it every morning without complaint. So, props to him and all the other partners helping their "wives."