This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
Marriage is often seen as a union of two people, but for many men, it feels like a one-way street. They provide, they give, but they rarely receive anything in return. This sentiment was echoed by a recent conversation with male friends, where nine out of ten reported never receiving a gift from their wives, besides a belated text.
One friend did mention receiving cheap perfume, but for many men, it's not just about the gifts. It's about feeling seen and appreciated in their relationship. A recent Father's Day and birthday went by without a mention or a gift from their partner, leaving them feeling unvalued.
On the other hand, women seem to get away with being forgetful or insensitive. A woman's birthday, Valentine's Day, and Women's Day are all celebrated with expensive gifts, but when it's the man's turn, they're often met with a curt 'thank you' or nothing at all.
It's not just about the gifts, though. It's about the lack of consideration and respect in the relationship. Men are expected to take on all the bills, without questioning where their partner's money is going. When they do ask, they're met with defensiveness and embarrassment.
As one aunt so aptly put it, 'a man's money is their money, but a woman's money is hers and hers alone.' This sentiment highlights the unequal dynamic at play in many marriages, where men are expected to provide and give without any expectation of reciprocation.
For many men, this feels like a form of slavery, where they're expected to give and give without any recognition or appreciation. It's a sentiment that's echoed by many, who feel that marriage has become a one-way street, where they're expected to provide and give without receiving anything in return.
