Tough Life with A Patriarchal Husband (Narrative Essay) / Najwa Nabihah

   I've heard a story about woman who lives with a patriarchal husband which is my neighbour. The wife seemed so stressed because she has been controlled by his husband in everything since he once said "Women are a housekeeper while men are the provider". Actually, the wife used to work as a bank clerk. However, since she got married, her husband told her to resign and stay at home to do house chores while he's the only one who will be working. At first she was okay with it but then her husband started to set a rule that she will do all house chores by herself since it is women's job. 

   There was one day where the wife collapsed at home because she was too tired from doing house chores alone. The couple lived in bungalow which is very spacious. No wonder she had it hard doing house chores alone more over they didn't have children yet who can at least be a helper to the wife. That day, I saw her carrying several large garbage bag to the bin outside their house. She seemed much busier than usual on that day because she said her parents-in-law were coming so she needed to make sure the house in a good state that even made her forgot to eat.

   His husband always busy with work and there were many times that he came home very late. She often being left alone in their house. She expressed that she was bored to death because of house chores and kind of missing her old job as a clerk, having fun with officemates. She also rarely goes out because her husband didn't allow her to. I can see that she was very depressed because she didn't get any freedom or joy since she was married. Her husband definitely abuse the power as the head of family to satisfy his needs. 

    Due to depression and stress for almost 2 years, she finally divorced with her husband last month. This decision came out peacefully with agreement from both sides. She is currently getting treatment for her mental health. Meanwhile, her ex-husband is improving to be a better man as he decided to remarry her after she is fully-recovered. He slowly realised that how his patriarchal behaviour made his ex-wife suffered a lot. However, both of them still love each other since it hasn't been long since they married.