... I in theory don't think there is a power imbalance in relationships -- but obviously, on some level, I'm reacting to a perceived imbalance in pretty much just the way you've extrapolated.
Whenever there is a conflict between two people, the physical stuff is always there. Even if both sides despise it and would never turn to violence, even if it goes against everything they believe, the difference in physical strength is always there. (And usually in the guy's favor.)
I know. This sort of conversation can venture into pretty unpleasant subjects. It was on my mind a lot when I first started dating Salad Eater--something about her body language made me think I needed to prove that our relationship was a safe place for conflict.
Growing up, it was -- in the large extended family -- the women who were responsible for all the fiddly little things that made the household run, and they would get so very frustrated because their husbands simply did not pay attention, or care, about those details.
This is pretty interesting and not something I've thought much about. Thanks. And thanks for inspiring the new subtitle for my LJ. :)
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2008-03-20 05:10 am (UTC)Whenever there is a conflict between two people, the physical stuff is always there. Even if both sides despise it and would never turn to violence, even if it goes against everything they believe, the difference in physical strength is always there. (And usually in the guy's favor.)
I know. This sort of conversation can venture into pretty unpleasant subjects. It was on my mind a lot when I first started dating Salad Eater--something about her body language made me think I needed to prove that our relationship was a safe place for conflict.
Growing up, it was -- in the large extended family -- the women who were responsible for all the fiddly little things that made the household run, and they would get so very frustrated because their husbands simply did not pay attention, or care, about those details.
This is pretty interesting and not something I've thought much about. Thanks. And thanks for inspiring the new subtitle for my LJ. :)