When I was growing up, I always looked at women handling families and children as something so fascinating. I used to think, “this is so amazing!”. “She seems to have it all together!”. “She goes to work, cooks good food and provides for the needs of all the family members!”.
Little did I know that underneath all that togetherness was a whole lot of frustration and angst. This often goes without being able to voice out these frustrations. Many at times it goes without being ever voiced. There is a façade being portrayed which could give away a feeling that one has got it all under control, but often this is far from the truth. There is a compulsion from the side of society where women need to play these roles perfectly and if they aren’t, then, there is no meaning to their lives or they have failed in their responsibilities. Traces of these stereotypes that society imposes on women are still seen today as well.
Stereotypes that the society creates are dangerous as they set a pattern on the people and causes trends to follow through generations. What are some tips to handle this stereotype?
1. Don’t be so quick to judge a book by its cover.
We have a tendency to look at issues, situations that surround us and base everything on that. A lot of what is made to be looked on as appearance is often not true. Whenever we look at others, we have a lot of perceptions. We make those perceptions and assumptions based on the external but often people are suffering internally and a very different face is seen on the outside. The internal aspects often go unnoticed. However, when this is understood, there is great relief for the person that is heard and understood.
However, it is good to remember that there will never be a picture of a perfect mother who has everything under control, nor is there a man who is completely capable of having it all together at all times. It is important to allow people to express their vulnerabilities openly so they feel accepted otherwise it festers internally as deep hurts.
2. Everyone has a different temperature for handling difficulties.
There is a difference in the way each one handles difficulty. Treating people as machinery and expecting all to function the same way is not something that is possible or viable. Therefore, understanding that concept will largely help to offer the correct support to the one that is needing it. For some excel under pressure, while some deflate at the sight of hardships. So, accepting people with their different strengths will largely help them to flourish.
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