Facts vs Fiction

It is not uncommon for men to take for granted their homemaking wife; yes, there are other types too, but we are restricting this to a family discussion. One manifestation of such often (not always) one-sided misdemeanour is that the husband spends a lot of time with his friends, well, that is what he wants the world (read Jaan) to believe. In his defence, it may said that very often that is the case. But then there are different types of 'friends'. The wife at home is worried in the beginning, switching channels and keeping an eye on the door. Later, tucked in bed, she holds a book, and still keeps an eye on the door. Much later, she tries to fall asleep alone, and has one ear devoted to hearing the door unlock, if ever. Some women accept this as normal masculine trait, while others will wake up one fine morning and decide she has had enough. That is a fact. What's the fiction?

(From the net)A woman was complaining to the neighbour that her husband always came home late, no matter how she tried to stop him. "Take my advice," said the neighbour, "and do what I did. Once my husband came home at three o'clock in the morning, and from my bed I called out: "Is that you, Jim?" And that cured him. "Cured him!" asked the woman, "but how?" The neighbour said, "You see, his name is Bill".

Some children are lucky to have their dad as a friend. They share time before the television, time at the basketball court or on the football ground, watch the Bangladesh team at the stadium, share a cold drink and a burger, they go to the movies, and go for walks in the neighbourhood…until the son starts sharing news of first, his crush; second, his love and third, his wedding plans. The son builds a new nucleus. The dad is happy but there is a sad corner in his ageing heart. Despite the fact that the dad has lost, so to say, his son to a woman, the dad for obvious reasons grows fondness for his daughter-in-law. In many homes the new woman in the house assumes the position of a daughter. That is a fact. What's the fiction?

(From the net)"Dad, I was away for a week. Yesterday I sent a fax to my wife I'd be home that night, and when I got into my room I found my wife in another man's arms. "Why, Dad? Tell me why!" Dad kept silent for a few minutes, then said coolly, "Maybe, son, she didn't get the fax."

Gone are the days when the dutiful wife would be moving a hand-pankha as her husband after a day's hard work would sit down to dine. That is because many husbands nowadays are unemployed and stay at home, and often the wife is the breadwinner. But, also because we have 10,000 megawatt of electricity that moves electric fans, and so the wife can actually sit alongside her hubby and enjoy the meal. In many houses today, husbands admirably share household chores, and if the wife is clever, the husband may also make her a cup of tea, give her a massage, put out the lights, or is it vice versa…. Now this is getting erotic. That is a fact. What's the fiction?
(From the net) A husband visited a marriage counsellor and said, "When we were first married, I would come home from the office, my wife would bring my slippers and our cute little dog would run around barking. Now after ten years it's all different, I come home, the dog brings the slippers and my wife runs around barking." "Why complain?" said the counsellor. "You're still getting the same service!”

Many men, I dare say most, (well, in fact, 'all' would not be an understatement) have an instinctive weakness towards other women, beginning with his mother, passing on to his sisters, cousins (they are all cousins), girls, women, before the arrival of the wife, and then again continuing with women and more girls. It is almost never love. Nor is it less love for the wife. It is like Facebook 'Like', a click of the heart. But, more so, it is just men being men. It's the male chauvinist pig in him that lets his mind to wander to believe that just like he is imagining a beautiful loving world, the world is also in love with him. That is a fact. What's the fiction?

(From the net) A wife, one evening, drew her husband's attention to the couple next door and said, "Do you see that couple? How devoted they are? He kisses her every time they meet. Why don't you do that?" "I would love to," replied the husband, "but I don't know her well enough.”

There are secrets which both men and women like to, or rather, sometimes have to keep from their partner; say, a surprise anniversary gift or party. I know you had other ideas. Some of these hidden matters are not anything serious, but in a wedlock (mind the use of the word 'lock') which has been defined in jest as 'the only time when one sleeps with the enemy', itsy-bitsy issues can be a big deal. Foolish men believe that their smoking, even if occasional, is a well-kept secret from their wife because he never does it at home and always has a mint or two. Little does he know that it is the mint that is giving him away, every time. Women believe that their husband has no idea she is saving some money for a rainy day; a birthday gift for the hubby is a clue that she exposes each year. Again, there are news that will be broken quickly and voluntarily. “Have you heard? I have been promoted to head of sales,” beams the husband. “But you were the only candidate, and I kind of knew, ”the wife says matter-of-factly. In married life, sometimes even the best news is not good enough. There are secrets that are real bombshells that can either make or a break a relationship. That is a fact. What's the fiction?

(From the net)"You looked troubled," I told my friend, "what's your problem?" My friend replied, "I'm going to be a father." "But that's wonderful news," said I. My friend was not excited, "What's so wonderful? My wife doesn't know about it yet.”

Here's wishing all the best to all married couples and those in a healthy relationship. Think once, twice and thrice over well spread span of times how blessed you are. But, if it is not working, please do not suffer alone or make your other half suffer. Think of even one great moment that you have had, and part amicably. And, for the sake of the children (if any), please do not drag them into your hell, for they have alighted from heaven.
Fact or fiction, parting of ways is always painful.