This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
As I reflect on my past relationships, I've come to realize that one of the biggest hurdles I faced was the expectation of being a 'perfect partner' – always ready to serve my partner, even at odd hours. This expectation often led to sleep deprivation, which had a significant impact on my well-being.
For those whose partners leave the house earlier, I ask: do you wake up to prepare their meals, or do you prioritize your own rest? I recall a past relationship where my partner would return home at any hour, expecting me to prepare a fresh meal. It didn't matter if it was 9 pm or 1 am; I was expected to be awake and ready to cook.
However, I soon realized that I was being taken for granted. Why should I have to wake up in the middle of the night to prepare a meal for someone who was out 'socializing'? It's essential to maintain a healthy balance between caring for a partner and prioritizing one's own rest.
Dear men, if you're out past dinner time intentionally, please ensure that you have dinner arranged beforehand. Coming home and expecting your partner to prepare a meal at 1 am is unreasonable. You should be able to take care of yourself, especially if you're out 'socializing'.
I'd consider waking up early to help my partner get ready for work, but only if it's necessary. Don't expect me to be a personal chef or a wake-up call just because you're tired. If you can't eat cold food or warm it up yourself, come home and eat with me. If that's not what you want, let's agree that you'll have dinner wherever you are.
