It might seem like a throwback to a bygone era, but a study conducted by Cornell University in 2010 examined couples aged 18 to 28 who had been together for at least a year. These young adults aren’t focused on outdated gender roles; they likely don’t even recall those old perfume commercials where the woman who brings home the bacon and fries it up faces inevitable relationship turmoil. The unsettling truth? According to a 2013 study, when women out-earn their partners, men become 10% more likely to seek prescriptions for issues such as erectile dysfunction, insomnia, and anxiety.
What’s Going On Here?
Are these men simply insecure, or is this a reflection of deeper societal issues that still linger despite feminist progress? Why aren’t men celebrating their partners’ accomplishments instead of feeling threatened by them? It perplexes me, especially since I have been the primary earner in my own relationship for years without any of these challenges.
Strategies for Addressing Income Disparity
In her book, Dr. Kelly Thompson provides strategies for addressing this issue, including the idea of “rewriting the fairy tale” and other techniques for navigating these modern dynamics. Another proposed solution is maintaining a salary disparity where a woman’s income is around 75% of her partner’s, which seems to keep marital bliss intact and reduces the likelihood of infidelity. However, this hardly feels like a genuine solution. Instead, I suggest finding a partner who genuinely supports your success—someone who finds your achievements attractive.
Further Reading and Resources
If you’re interested in exploring more on this topic, check out this article from our blog. For those considering at-home options, you might want to visit Make A Mom, a reputable retailer of at-home insemination syringe kits. Additionally, UCSF is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Conclusion
In summary, while the dynamics of income disparity in relationships can be complex and fraught with challenges, the key lies in fostering mutual support and admiration between partners. Finding someone who values your success can make all the difference.
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