The True Value of Respect in Marriage: A Shift in Perspective

 

In a marriage, love, respect, and mutual understanding are far more valuable than material wealth. The statement, "Even if a husband does not have millions of assets, if he holds his wife with love and respect, he is not just a millionaire, but a true crorepati (wealthy person)", speaks volumes about the foundation of a meaningful relationship. It highlights that the worth of a person in marriage is not defined by monetary wealth, but by the emotional and mental support they offer to their partner.

The Concept of Partnership in Marriage

Marriage is often described as a partnership, with the husband and wife being two complementary individuals. However, society sometimes distorts the natural understanding of this partnership. If a husband lovingly massages his wife's head when she is ill, people may sarcastically label him as a “slave to his wife”. But, if a wife cares for her husband in a similar way, tending to his needs day and night when he is unwell, society considers it her "duty" or "role".

This mindset reflects an outdated perspective of gender roles, where men's contributions in the home or their affection toward their wives are undervalued. This societal view fails to appreciate the deep emotional connection that should exist between a husband and wife - one that goes beyond gender and cultural stereotypes.

Rethinking the "Seven Circles of Marriage"

In the Indian tradition, the "seven pheras" or the seven vows taken during a wedding symbolize a deep commitment between the husband and wife. Unfortunately, many people do not fully grasp the true meaning of these vows. If they did, perhaps the act of a husband supporting his wife during illness or a wife caring for her husband during tough times would be seen as natural expressions of love, not as burdens or duties. The idea that a wife taking care of her husband makes her "slave to the husband" is a misinterpretation of these vows, as marriage is about shared responsibility, understanding, and support.

Gender Equality: A Modern Understanding

For many years, traditional views have painted the picture that a man who serves his wife or shows care is less masculine, and a woman’s care for her husband is simply a duty of her role as a wife. But today, educated men and women are beginning to embrace the idea of gender equality within marriage. They understand that both partners, regardless of their gender, should contribute to the well-being of the relationship. There is no shame in one partner providing care for the other. In fact, it reflects the true meaning of partnership.

Unfortunately, some men with outdated views continue to undermine this equality. They attempt to belittle modern men who accept their wives as equals, pushing them to conform to an old-fashioned and rigid mindset. These men fail to recognize that marriage is about togetherness, with both partners sharing the journey as equal halves of a whole.

A Marriage of Equals

Marriage is meant to be a union of two people who complete each other. When we view a wife as merely a partner and not a subordinate, it becomes clear that there is no shame in caring for one another, whether that involves a husband caring for his wife or vice versa. The idea that taking care of one’s spouse in sickness or health diminishes a person’s dignity is a flawed notion. In fact, embracing the concept of equality in marriage strengthens the bond between husband and wife.

Rather than seeing a partner as "the other", marriage should be viewed as the coming together of two halves, where mutual support, respect, and love guide the relationship. As we evolve, it is important to shed antiquated beliefs and embrace a partnership where both individuals thrive together.

In the end, the true measure of wealth in a marriage is not in the assets each partner brings but in the love, respect, and equality they share. Both partners are equally responsible for the well-being of the relationship, and both deserve to be supported and cared for. Marriage is about growing together, not about outdated norms that create division. When we let go of these restrictive mindsets, we will find that our relationships become richer, not in material terms, but in love and mutual respect.

C. P. Kumar
Energy Healer & Blogger

Amazon Books by C. P. Kumar: https://amazon.com/author/cpkumar/
YouTube Channel of C. P. Kumar: https://www.youtube.com/@cpkumar2022
Spiritual and Social Books by C. P. Kumar: http://cpkumar.lovestoblog.com/bookmarks.html


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