Just typing that quote makes me shiver. I have always believed and do to this day, that marriage is a 50/50 arrangement. I entered into a union as an adult and equal to my husband. I asked my father for permission to do things because he was my parent and responsible for my actions until I became an adult, but I don't need to have permission from my husband to do whatever I wish. Out of respect and kindness, I "check" my intentions with him to assure there is no problem, but to assume I need his permission is totally outside the realm of reality. I'm a grown woman.
I think this type of attitude transcends to the heroines in my books. I like women who have guts and aren't afraid to live life on their own terms. Some of mine have withstood Indian attacks, mock rescues by the Cavalry,falling into a well, fighting a raging river, and in my current WIP, living life with someone threatening her with murder. I've had reviewers call my female leads head-strong and spoiled, but I believe anyone who takes responsibility for their own decisions and stands strong against the grain can be considered spoiled if someone is viewing relationships from a parent/child aspect. If you look at an individual as a responsible and mature adult, you usually get a different outcome.
Main Character Acts Like a Spoiled Brat - A review for Ellie's Legacy
Another Review for Ellie's Legacy: Although Ellie matured and realized her father was trying to do what was best for her, she acted like a brat for much of the time.
Review from Betrayed: Although living a comfortable life financially, she wants to be loved and be in love. She meets Evan online and he sweeps her off her feet.
Review from Betrayed: Cassie is extremely trusting and let things happen too quickly. Evan took advantage of her at every turn and she suffered the consequences
A relationship should be a sacred bond into which you enter with love and respect, not a means of binding someone to another's opinions and judgments. In my humble opinion, separation happens when one party loses the respect of the other. Respect t is a big component in love...along with trust, and if you can't trust your partner to make their own decisions, there isn't much room for respect...or love.In my novel, Betrayed, I wrote about Cassie Fremont, an independent woman who WAS a confident and self-supporting individual until she let a man steal her independence from her. Betrayed happened to be based on a true life experience with Internet dating, and the message I hoped to deliver resounded with the very person who lived through the entire ordeal. Love is a wonderful thing, but none of us need validation to make us who we need to be.
Okay...this is my rant for the day. Just remember, if you're talking to me on FB, don't ever indicate you have to seek your husband's approval. *lol*
http://www.bookswelove.com/authors/simpson-ginger
Amen to that! You hit the nail on the head. If there's no respect, the relationship is dead. I try to follow the Golden Rule in my 40+ years of marriage--Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Works with friends and husbands too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for agreeing with me. There are so many women out there who treat their relationship with their husbands like a little girl seeking approval from her father. That absolutely makes me ill. I want my husband to respect me and not feel like he has to be my babysitter. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you....do until others as you would have them do unto you. Sounds kinda Biblical, doesn't it? *lol*