Desperate housewife

November 4, 2006 in Personals

I spent the long weekend with the Desperate Housewives TV series marathon. And I can understand why it had become such a popular show. It is every housewife’s struggle, triumph and story. Watching episode after episode of the show, in the darkness and quietness of my living room after everyone else has gone to bed, is like watching my own story unfolding right before my very eyes.

The professional housewife

Lynette gave up her promising career to stay home and care for her four children. Whenever I come home, with barely the strength to brush my teeth, I watched my kid as he sleeps. And I wonder how his day had been. Did he learn something new today? What did he eat? Did he miss me? And I thought, if I quit my job and stay at home, I won’t miss anything. But then, it would occur to me that I wouldn’t last long that way. With bills up to our asses, my husband’s earning alone wouldn’t do. Not only would it hurt us financially, I know I’ll miss my job, quicker than I say housewife.

Besides, I’ve come to realize that I was not made to be a housewife. I’m too lazy to do the dishes (I’m allergic to detergent). Too sluggish to clean the house (I function best amid creative clutter). Too proud to look after a husband who comes home reeking alcohol.

The overwhelmed housewife

Susan was divorced and living with her teenage daughter. We share the same reasons why she had only one child. Having a child is too overwhelming for me. I can’t imagine how I made it through, or making it through, for that matter. Just thinking about the hassles that come with pregnancy, and the sacrifices I have to give to raise a child, and the money that has to be shelled out, I simply cannot have more.

Lance at two, can be a handful. One minute he is the adoring little boy that I couldn’t take my eyes off him, the other minute, he could test my patience. He could make me shout as much as he could make me hug him. I agree with what they say, “You can’t imagine children until you have them. After having children, you cannot imagine life without them.”

The unfaithful housewife

Gabrielle is the cheating wife. He married his husband because she thought he could give him everything she wants. But with his husband always away, she realized she wanted the wrong things. That is why she remained unhappy. And just so she won’t wake up one morning with an urge to blow her brains out, she jumped into an illicit affair with a younger man.

There were times when I felt I’m losing it. My job, my friends and a new- found hobby–badminton, have kept me afloat. I learned there is no point being the hero, to try to juggle and do everything. To remain that one person who takes care of everything. To look gathered in the outside while you feel broken inside can very well rob you off your sanity.

I have to admit that I am only human and that I have limitations and weaknesses too. And I have to let others know that too. I have to have time for myself—to get drunk, to make a fool of myself, to blog, to play badminton, to enjoy my coffee, to have uninterrupted bath time, to read, to have all the chocolates that I want, etc.

The perfect housewife

Bree is the ‘perfect’ wife. She believes she did her best for the family. That is why it shocked her when after 18 years of marriage, his husband wants to divorce her and her son despises her.

That has always been my fear; doing everything right within my power doesn’t guarantee that things will turn out the way I want them to be. How can I guarantee that my husband will stay in love with me until we are both wrinkled and gray? How can I make sure that I am raising my kids well? How can I prepare myself for the inevitable?

The thing is, I cannot. For the time being, I’m entrusting my uncertainties to an all-knowing God. I just pray that whatever He throws my way, I’ll come through strong and mighty.