Works for me. Not you!

Relationships are full of double standards and although some may see that as the norm, it still is debatable. Double standards exist when someone or something favors someone or something else but does not favor the other person when things are the other way around. In other words, when principles or rules are applied differently to a designated person or group of people, a double standard occurrence has taken place. Double standards in relationships stem from the double standards that are evident in the world we live in today. We see them, experience them but somehow we have adapted to it or learned to live with it because it's something we cannot change or alter or maybe we learn to subconsciously consider the situation a state of normalcy. Most people in a relationship often state that a relationship should be 50/50 and that both parties should equally share responsibilities but the reality is not the case. Women want to be treated as equal to men in society only when it comes to pay and job opportunities but shy away from equality when it comes to workload and high stress in the workplace. Personally, I believe that women and men are not built the same and should not be treated equally or the same but respect needs to be appropriated correctly to each because respect is highly significant and is the right of both parties in a relationship. In relationships, when a man takes charge of responsibilities such as monetary expenditures through paying bills and providing for the woman, it's accepted or seen as the right thing to do but when a woman does the same, it is frowned upon and the man is seen as weak. Men are expected to propose to the woman and that is acceptable societally. However when a woman proposes to the man, the woman is seen as desperate and a misrepresentation of women. When a man initiates sex in the bedroom, it is right but why does it seem not so okay when the woman makes the first move? In the same vein, when a woman tells a man she is not in the mood for sex for reasons like "I'm not in the mood" or "I'm tired", it is acceptable and the man just needs to understand and should tuck his tail in and respect her wishes but if the woman is in need of sex and the man uses the same excuse, then the man must be cheating on the woman or is incapable of performing his manly duties. When a woman expresses her feelings either through crying, bursting out or simply being emotional whether it is to echo feelings of insecurity, jealousy, disappointment or betrayal, she is seen as brave and expressive. When a man does the same, he can be viewed as weak, abusive, controlling or has anger issues. If a man cheats on a woman, He is seen as a bad person and disloyal but when a woman does it then maybe she was not loved enough or the man is not good in bed. There are many double standards that exist in relationships which I will not bore you with because I'm sure you get the point I'm trying to stress or make here. Double standards do exist and although we may sweep them under the carpet or turn a blind eye at its occurrence, things shall remain the same. Some may say that double standards exist to keep relationships or society interesting and balanced. Some may also see double standards as rules and principles carved in stones and as such cannot be changed. However, I disagree since there has been a change in a double standard that has clouded relationships for years now because it was tackled and discussed. When a man takes a woman out on a date, he is expected to foot the bill. In the past, this was not up for discussion but in the recent years after going through series of debate, some women now agree to split the bill in half or at least chip in to offset the bill. Double standards are not myths. They exist. They are not rules or principles carved in stone and because it works for you does not mean that it is right. It should work for everyone.

IG: @innatelycrowned