posted November 30, 2011 02:07 PM            

Now this is obviously not true of every relationship but I've noticed an alarming number of my male friends in relationships seem to be told what to do and how to do it by their partners and they don't question it. It almost pleases them! They complain with a huge smile on their face as though to be bossed about is something endearing.

I don't mean verbal, psychological or physical abuse, I simply mean men who feel they need to ask 'permission' to go out independantly of their spouse or partner. Who feel that they ought to spend large chunks of money on them and perform all sorts of favours to 'keep them sweet.'

I only notice this because I have always prided myself on being a reasonable woman - by that I mean I've never demanded anything from a man in my life. I don't stamp my feet or expect anything but honesty... which is maybe the problem! I've always lived by the edict 'do as you would be done by' and felt that to treat men in this rather stentorian way was wrong, patronising and unfair. But I've taken a long hard look at my relationship track record and I've got to admit that this 'reasonable' behaviour has never encouraged a man to stay or treat me well. It's not that I've been treated horrendously... but i've never been fated in quite the same way as women who behave in this slightly 'diva' manner. I'm beginning to wonder whether they have the right idea?!!! ;D