A Few Good Things

A data point I recollect is that there are more women on FB than men. As I start this blog something tells me that it will evoke strong reactions from this majority. But then you write on something you feel strongly about.

It all started with a simple question in our small group of 4 over a drink at our favourite haunt – If you were born again what would you like to be born as ? And one of the 4 mentioned without a blink – “A Housewife in our Building Complex”

He explained – If you have 2 – 4 maids , a driver , unlimited spending power on your credit card , a few hrs in the gym every day , a private trainer , an evening walk with some tasty gossip, a weekly visit to the Spa , a party & a movie every fortnight, and a lovely group of friends who at 40+ dress and act like they are 30+,  thats the lifestyle you would kill for.  (That is the lifestyle of many a women in the top 50 apartment complexes of Bangalore, NCR , Mumbai ….. )

How has life changed for women in the last 30 years ? At least for some of them thankfully.

Life has indeed changed – there was a time 30 years back without Maids , Mixies, Washing Machines – you cut the veggies, cooked , cleaned , washed  clothes , ironed them , stitched clothes, made pickles & chips and still had time & energy to make the weekly sweets.

Circa 2013 – it’s now hard work to store the stacked & ironed clothes the laundryman delivers at home. 

Life has indeed changed – 30 years back a school project for Kids meant poring thru books & encyclopedias hunting for the answer and that elusive picture in some magazine.

Today its all available at a click of a button – thanks to Google. 

Life has indeed changed – as family & friends descended unexpectedly ( no Phone / no SMS) you managed to put together a great meal with whatever you had at home.

Today you call the restaurant next door. 

As I made this argument to two women – I got bashed up. The arguments were emotional (without data) – the key thing I grasped was “Look at the pressure we go thru. We have to go to the school to meet the teacher (once a year) , take care of buying all the grocery & vegetables, manage the maids, pay all the bills online “There is so much of work and so much of pressure – 30 years back our mothers did not have to do all this ?

I rest my case – and I say enjoy it, you have earned it , but appreciate it and say  – Thank You God once a day.

Because as my friend said ” We would all love to be reborn as a housewife in our building”