First, since I am often misunderstood when I address to multiple people, this is a general notation not reflecting on anyone in particular. Second, it is addressed to a few postings I found interesting in one form or another.
After having read many postings I am firmly confirmed that my life is a pattern that is generally extince and that much of what has become of relationships is self-destructive and not sustainable.
Many times in the last 42 years I would rather not have been married for the moment but then thought of our children and their children to come and that one promise I made to a young girl who believed I meant it. Instead of being like so many of the day she may have been able to but did not expect to be economically independent but instead she expected to be a wife, mother and partner. I am absolutely certain that over the years she would rather not have been married, to my great disappointment.
While growing up I figured a life such as that of my parents with more good than bad but not without some chronic struggles. I also figured on a life pretty simple just work, long term goals, raising good kids, being decent and earning respect, successful but probably not rich and winding down to patriarchal but quiet end life of reflection and pursuits unrequited and to serve God as best I could in that life. Some things I have succeeded well in and others not so much. Nothing is perfect. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and often you simmer between the two. I’ve made mistakes, chosen poorly and live with the substandard consequences.
The Book tells both of us, man and woman, what we must do for a happy life and a happy marriage. I tried to live that and look for that in a wife from the time I was a young man and my fancies turned from the thoughts of a child to those of an adult.
The first duties are husband to wife. He is the one of whom the first obligation is expected. If husband does this then wife should do that. NOT the other way around.
Husbands: https://www.openbible.info/topics/husband_duties
Wives: https://www.openbible.info/topics/wifely_duties
Life is simple. You take a job you do the job. If you don’t want to do the job don’t take it. If you decide to shove off you suffer all the consequences. If you choose not to believe God’s word or to live by his instructions the choice is yours. Take whatever consequence comes.
As for society today and the way men are treated. It is bad, the deck is stacked and women are dangerous now. The roles have been confused, reversed and ignored. Much of what our society promotes and considers acceptable is open rebellion with what we are told will be unsuccessful outcomes. Under the circumstances of this day I would probably not be married without taking a leap of faith to find someone who might be equally yoked.
If any young people have read this I’ll add: “Too old soon. Too late smart.” There are many things I wish someone had told me and if they did I wish I had sense enough to listen and wisdom enough to understand.
Thank you for the very insightful post.