The joys of being a woman

I've always been of the opinion that men often have an easier life than women. I'm talking purely from a gender perspective - gender roles and gender-specific characteristics and occurrences. In years gone by, men have had the burden of being the bread-winner, but this is starting to fall by the wayside (even though most men still find it necessary to their well-being to be providing for their women and families).

Instead of the men asking the women out, it is now seen as liberating and desirable (for women) if it happens the other way round. I'm waiting for the day when the woman has to ask her would-be father-in-law (mother-in-law?!) for his (her) son's hand in marriage.

I have to concede - men are getting much better at the whole cooking, cleaning, laundry, parenting deal. Which is great. Now the load is more shared.

Yet still the women have to undergo a whole 9 months of pregnancy (morning sickness and gaining weight and I don't know what else) and the pain of birth. And half of our lives, we have to put up with the joys of periods. Every month. Not to mention period pains (don't even get me started) and the horrific emotional ups and downs that go paired with hormonal changes. Introducing the infamous PMS.

I always thought I never had it as bad as other women (I've heard some stories...). Some women seem to get really angry and irritated; aggro - like you don't want to get in their way. But me, I just get emotional. Down, depressed, teary... Little things upset me and my mind wanders into areas that it would never enter had I not had wonky hormones.

*SIGH*

I think I've just convinced myself again that it sometimes sucks being a woman...