Ultimately and obviously it ended (but I'd like to think for "other" reasons).....still, I have to check my male ego to make sure I'm being true.

She was the "breadwinner". I was no "slouch" and thoroughly enjoyed myself, but it IS WORK to be a house husband/wife. I did the shopping (including coupons), housecleaning, daycare errands, played football with her son, made meals, payed bills, household repairs, and even picked up her dry cleaning for when she had meetings.

I was totally cool with this and completely knew that I was contributing. The nice thing is that she did to, and I felt the appreciation.

How many of you guys (or girls for that matter) would be cool with this?

Ya....and most of the time SHE was on top. I was cool with that too!

make it 'man in chaps' and he can cook all the bacon he wants.
totally down with that! :)

Not to devalue your contribution, but IMO that's all things both should be doing. If I'm not contributing financially as well as in all other aspects, that is a problem.

I don't have to make more money or be the only one working, but I should be earning enough to effectively contribute.

I think both should be contributing!

I guess if I am earning top bucks and make more than sufficient for the household, and he is not, then, it would make sense for one to keep house, especially when children are involved (vice versa applies). If that is not the case, then both should be out there contributing!

Yes, it just made more sense for logistics (daycare, housecare, lawncare, etc.) AND financially at the time, that I quit my job and take care of things.

Plus, she worked SO hard on her career....It was more important to her, than mine was to me.

Did you wear the apron with nothing else?...

Naaah too modest for that. Orange speedo too.

My best friend and his wife have a similar arrangement and it works for them. As for myself I would feel uncomfortable with not working and making money to contribute.

I think that's admirable and very loving and respectful.
I'm just wondering ... would this have made you happy in the long run? (don't know how long you have done this).

And how did things work when she got home? One has to carry the feminine, the other the masculine in a relationship. So when she got home from work .. did you change so you could carry the masculine, not her?
Genuinely interested ...

I'm not entirely sure how this would work for me .. I do know I wouldn't want to carry the masculine in a relationship .. I want to be and carry the feminine, as that's simply far more me. Hence my question above, how does that work out?

Oh, that answers the question .. I would occasionally be cool with that .. but most of the time I prefer him to erm ... exercise his gluteals

personally, I would feel comfortable in that role. But I do know it works for other people.. just not my thing.

Yes, insane isn't it! I remember working in hospital 24 hrs a week, thinking I was making us extra money whilst doing what I liked. But the end of the year my husband got taxed more because of my income, plus the cost of driving .. and the baby sitter .. Turned out I had basically made nothing, possibly even costing us money?! The only thing was the pleasure I got out of it, which was not worth it --> kids get ill, right. And then they miss their mom, you feel awkward about leaving them with a sitter etc. They were hardly ever ill, until I started working ... sods law, maybe proof of the stress it puts on kids

So in the end.. wasn't worth it at all.

Daycare is not only more expensive...but the services was not up to measure! My kid was always getting sick. I then got a maid, but my maid could not be trusted and my kids came back to a locked house and she had gone out! So I sacked her ...quit my job, and made alternative job arrangements, ie freelancing!

When kids are involved I understand one not working...

And I can understand if one makes enough money and it works out for them with the other not working.....

But....... at my age and what I make, I don't care if one or the other is working or not as long as they have some sort of income.... Cause I'm not supporting someone to just sit at home.

Well hold on a minute. I'm under no assumption that "most" housewives (especially mother's) who choose to stay home, are just sitting around.

Since the question was coming around again....

You've earned you A for today miss!

I'm with you I firmly believe there should be no gender assignments in a relationship or marriage. Whatever works, works. But according to the other topic I posted in, seems most women want a traditional relationship or marriage. I'm guessing this makes us the one percenters?

I have learned to take the simple approach to most things.
Whatever works the best, for everyone involved...go with it.
And I keep reminding myself of one thing.
My way, is not necessarily the right way.
Ego and pride can f*** up anything.

I'll let Rock borrow my apron while he's here. It's pink though...