Why are married women expected to not be lazy?

Married women are humans too. And being lazy is not a sin. Photo Courtesy: YouTube/ TellyChakkar

Being a married woman is not easy. The expectations that come along with being someone's wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, chachi, mami, and so on is just exhausting. You might have had a certain kind of personality before marriage, but you are expected to mould yourself after you tie the knot. It's easy for some--to adjust to a new family, a new environment. But, for those who are not domesticated, life can get really hard.

For instance, when you come back home after a long day at work--you may want to sit and chill. But, unfortunately you can't. You see, there are certain duties expected of you. You've got to help your mom-in-law cook dinner, or make just make it yourself. You've got to chit-chat with all the members of the family instead of vanishing into your own little cocoon of a bedroom. But, you can't. Sitting idle means only one thing for married Indian woman...

She Is a Lazy Bum, Who Needs To Mend Her Ways

No. This is not an exaggeration. You are lucky if your family doesn't treat you like a human robot but there are many women out there who are exhausted trying to manage household chores and their professional lives. The sad part? They get little help and support from their new families and no time to adjust. And God forbid if she likes to spend some time on herself--either reading a book or trying out a new beauty regime! She is labelled a lazy ass, which by the way is a sin if you are married.

Married Women Can't Afford To Be Lazy

For the record, being lazy is not a cardinal sin. Plus, not wanting to do household chores once in a while or sitting idle for a few hours doesn't and shouldn't mean the end of the world.

But, do you know what the problem is? The society expects women to perform the role of a superhero--managing everything and doing everything at the same time. People don't expect a married woman to invest time in herself or crave a break. But FYI, they are humans too. It's okay to not want to feel overworked all the time. It's absolutely fine if a woman doesn't want to cook or wash clothes or clean the house. This doesn't make her any less of a woman.

We've Got to Stop Shaming Women

It's really easy, you know, to call a woman names. In fact, a word as normal as 'lazy' can mean insult when directed at a married woman. Why? Because this lot of female species is expected to behave and act a certain way and being lazy doesn't cut the bill. So, it's easy for families and society to shame women. Make them feel guilty about not working all the time or not wanting to exert themselves.

But, if men can hang up their boots and say that they are tired and don't feel like doing anything then so can women. Feeling lazy is not an offence and it's okay.

Also read: 4 Indian wedding rituals that are mind-blowingly sexist

Also read: I would rather travel the world than have kids. Deal with it