Quote by Derek_kelp
What do people think about the issue of lover vs provider?
Hate to think of it. It is such a common practice, arrangement even. But it makes me cringe and makes me sad at the same time, because in my eyes it is a painful comment on how BOTH sexes are let down in traditional marriage/gender roles. Most long marriages have an element of convenience built in, it is the nature of the beast... and once young dependents are in the picture both parties are tied down to it even more. But I find it sad to think that a woman would stay with a man solely for the lifestyle/quality he can provide for her (and their children), and look for emotional/sexual fulfilment solely outside the marriage. Each case is different, of course, and the devil is in the details.
And on a slightly different note, since this does happen and is so common, I wish there was more openness about it, acknowledgement that there is a need, not only by the people directly involved but also by society in general. I hate it that this could be a chance to admit that there can be great incongruence in long-term monogamic relationships, yet it is done under wraps and often in ways that are disrespectful.
