Many spouses present gifts to each other on Father’s Day and Mother’s Day respectively and fight the next day with regard to the nature of the gifts. This is the other side of the story of men and women who rub their shoulders against each other. Getting along with one’s spouse is a challenge and blessing. The ability to live together as wife and husband sharing joys and sorrows of life brings greater happiness to the family.
In this journey, over assertion of one’s right as husband or wife will only lead to sour and bitter family life. There are many women who strongly assert their rights and privileges in the society but fail to be good wives or mothers inside their homes. Men and women are known to be ‘complementary sex’ but they possess vast opposite nature. Therefore, when the opposite nature overwhelms either of the partners, there is misunderstanding in the family. When such incidents become habitual, the spouses begin to live their own life away from each other in the form of separation or divorce. There are many victims of this diversified life. This type of life has not spared our Naga society.
It is well noticed in many society that many divorced women become social activists. The frustration of life is sometimes unbearable. Such women become hyper active in the society to substitute their brokenness. The shattered family life that haunts them day and night give a driving force to their works. Therefore, they either turn workaholic or misandrists instead of mending and healing themselves. Those at the front of social life are often a failure in family life.
When the complementary substance of men and women give way to opposite element, they contradict each other in nature more than being together. To get along with self-righteous women is harder than sitting inside the refrigerator. Men are tough and strong, but when women choose the other side of life without men, they can move mountains by their words and deeds. They can crush men under their feet and still find some satisfaction in their personal life.
A sharp double tongue women can bring down fire and smoke even on rainy days in their work place. Likewise, many men easily swallow the words of their spouse because they are used to such life. But to move about in one’s workplace like tigress will only invite darker image of oneself. The past thorny life is re-activated by the present behaviour.
In the present scenario of Nagaland, women are given much importance. The role of forming the family and society in the cultural and religious perspective is beyond the comprehension of men. This is less done by men. I am sure no man is totally against woman or vice-versa. Living a balanced life; a life fitting to be human beings before you are man or woman is necessary. In the strong assertion of one’s rights, we fail to be adaptable human beings. Failure in this aspect hampers our growth and relationship in the social and religious functioning. No right is bought or given neither it is sold or exchanged. It is only discovered and enhanced by the individual person. Therefore, searching for one’s right outside as though it is locked beyond the village gate is ridiculous.
We live in a society where men and women exist. Therefore, it is our responsibility to shower equal rights and privileges as per the needs and abilities of the person. The male species need not victimize the female class for their own advantage. Likewise, the female group need not hate men in their search for better identity. The society provides equal space for all to grow. Respect for each other will pave the path for better realization of rights and privileges. Therefore, let us not miss the opportunity of growing together as children of God.
