The Double Standard

I’m sure you’ve noticed this before, but why is there such a double standard when it comes to the behavior of men and women? Why do we give men accolades for doing simple chores, while women are chastised if they fall short of being superwoman?

Yes, folks, once again, I am going to refer to my ex. When we were married, I worked full-time and did the vast majority of all household chores (both inside and out) and child care. If he so much as did one singular load of laundry, people would fall all over themselves about what a great father and husband he was.

If I came home exhausted after a long day of work, after having carted our son to a variety of after-school activities and having studied for an exam during my lunch break, my ex-mother-in-law would chastise me for ordering a pizza, because I had not taken the time to make an “appropriate” meal.

Why does this happen? I have a friend I’ll call S. S is divorced. She’s a wonderful mother and had primary custody of her two children for years. Her ex would go on five vacations a year, buy motorcycles, jet skis, expensive cars, etc.

Whenever he would come to pick up their children for visitation, people would gush about what a great dad he was. If S went out for a couple of drinks every few weeks, she was accused of “ignoring” her children.

Think about it. If married man/father goes out several nights a week to drink beer and play poker, he’s just, “blowing off steam.” If a woman/mother did that, society-at-large would be up-in-arms. She’d be accused of being neglectful, selfish, a poor mother and wife, etc.

So I ask you today... Why the double standard? Why are men congratulated for doing what they’re supposed to do?