Just before I got married, Id heard from friends that, once a man ties the knot, he suddenly thinks of his wife as his property and starts to show his true colours.
But, like many hopeful young women, I foolishly believed my husband wasnt like that. Even when we were engaged, he was always gentle with me, never said an unkind word, and seemed almost afraid to upset me. He wanted me by his side at all times. But, as is often the way, I was mistaken. Its true that when a man wins a womans heart, he is never quite the same again.
A few months into our marriage, my husband began complaining about my motherwhy did she call me so often, why did she visit every week? Of course, worried about my marriage, I agreed with him. I asked Mum to give me some space, and Id only call her when I was alone. But that was only the beginning. Shortly afterwards, I found myself out of a job when I became pregnant. Because the pregnancy was difficult, I was forced to rest, and my contract was not renewed. My husband then started to moan, Youre at home all day, just sitting around and doing nothing. Once more, I kept quietI was pregnant, and what would I do if he left?
A year and a half after our daughter was born, my husband expected to be treated like royalty. When he arrived home from work, I was meant to greet him at the door, fetch his slippers, and have a hot meal waiting in the kitchen for him. He never bothered with the baby; that was womens business. Little by little, I became worn down and utterly exhausted.
Eventually, I packed our things and took our daughter to my mothers house. I didnt speak to my husband for two months. Gradually, life went on, and when I returned to work, I began to feel happier and look better each day. Then one day, he showed up at our door, looking thin and tired, clothes unkempt, and fell to his knees to beg forgiveness.
I told him that if we were to try again, hed have to sign up for a cooking course. When I came home, hed be expected to cook and help with the cleaning. He agreed, but as we all know, actions speak louder than words.
Sometimes, it takes losing something to realise its true worth, and respect is the foundation of any relationship. Without it, even the strongest bonds can break in silence.
