Stereotypically yours...

Stereotype: A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image; a person who is regarded as embodying or conforming to a set image or type.

Stereotypical: Banal, commonplace and clichéd because of overuse.
Courtesy: Wictionary.

After over an year of marriage, a few 100 male friends, I think I know enough to safely say that men don't analyze/think about something 10% as much as women do. Now, that's a classic example of stereotyping. But this post isn't about who/what we brand stereotypical for a whole variety of reasons. It's more to do with the kinds of stereotyping - some that we love to hate and some others that we accept graciously. Now, let's examine the old-fashioned domestic household scheme - man's the breadwinner, woman's the homemaker... both such important roles, yet the man's as the "breadwinner" has taken the pedestal on this one for eons. Of course we women hate this stereotype, which in this day n age make no sense whatsoever. We contribute to the household income too and yet, we are left with plenty to do at home as well. That said, the increasing contribution in domestic chores by the modern man stands truly appreciated. It's always, "I help her clean... I help her take care of the baby", blah, like it's a share of someone else's primary responsibility, you know what I mean.

On the other hand, some of the stereotypes that women continue to appreciate are how the men are expected to be the forward ones - whether it's in a romantic overture or in coming up with an investment plan. And these stereotypes like everything else has been nurtured in us from when we're very little. All the movies, the books and anything and everything we've had the opportunity to associate with will tell you the one common thing - the man proposes to the woman, for instance. No wonder then, even with the woman equaling the man stride for stride in this day, most women still want that sparkling fairytale romance where the man goes down on one knee. Weirdly, the men just don't get that. Associating the modern woman's strength of character and her individuality with a sort of breezy independence, most men seem to take it for granted to do away with all of the textbook romance. And no, that's not ok. No, women don't want flowers for everything... but that doesn't mean you don't give her flowers for anything. See what I mean? Another set of grey areas in the entire relationship game. Another one where the man spends a tonne of time figuring out exactly what the woman wants. And I don't blame them much... the women don't want some stereotypes, yet love to be a part of some others. Good luck, men.