Break gender rules, enjoy a healthier relationship

In several societies of the world, there are certain agreed rules and regulations, tailored for specific genders.

Even in same-sex marriages, there is still the assumption that one of the spouses- often the one that assumes the male position- should take charge in the relationship.

However, given how much times are changing, and for the sake of enjoying more happiness in the relationship, it is advised that these gender roles be often reversed.

First, it helps to foster a sense of equality as one spouse is not seen as the ‘lesser’ of the couple. Also, it helps the couple bond more, as certain tasks and responsibilities are not just limited to one of them.

How, then, can these preset gender rules be bent, if not totally changed?

Pulse Relationships gives 4 tips to achieve this below:

Take turns paying bills

Yes, as a lady, you have heard this before; but sadly you are still not practising it. It’s time to stop letting the man pay all the time.

Pay his bills sometimes, get some home appliances, do stuff for him that involves splashing the cash. It helps for the man to know that you are also financially committed in your relationship.

Create a system for dividing chores

As Nigerians, one of the subsisting relationship issues is that of women cooking for their husbands. It is still generally accepted that the woman should prepare all the meals for the home, or in a relationship.

And as a matter of fact, changing that is going to take a lot of time, if it’s ever going to happen.

However, to enjoy your spouse more, dear men, relieve her of that stress. Prepare her a meal, no matter how terrible you are at cooking; she will appreciate your effort, at least.

Other chores such as washing clothes, doing dishes, disposing of the trash should also not be limited to one person.

p.s: Please, men, go and learn how to cook your partner’s favourite food. And don’t cook it for her only on special occasions. Take this advice, and you'll be glad you did.

Let your partner know it’s fine to break gender rules

Growing up, I remember my uncle trying to strap his first daughter to his back while his wife walked beside him. She was really tired, but she refused to let him ‘back’ the baby. Why? Because she did not want people looking at her like she had ‘charmed’ her husband.

Some things like that could be happening in your relationship, too, which makes your partner wonder if you will be pissed if he goes to the market for you, or not or something related.

Talk to each other, agree that you don’t mind if he does for you, some things that are uncool according to societal rules.

Sex can be initiated by anyone of you

Hello, Nigerian women. Enough of feeling horny, but waiting for your partner to come on to you.

It is also not cool to drop hints with your behaviour and all. By now, you should know that men are not mind-readers.

If you want to have sex with your partner, feel free to start the process.

If you are in a sexual relationship, but you still feeling shy or scared to initiate sexual intercourse, I’m afraid you still have a long long way to go in that relationship.