Equal lives; similar needs and wants

Equal lives; similar needs and wants

11 September 2014

I often reflect on the fact that, no matter where we come from, no matter what our origins, we are all fundamentally the same.

We all have the same needs and wants – the same desires and dreams.

If you think about it, we all need food, shelter, clothing; companions, friends… and, of course, to love and be loved.

Yet, many times, people forget that we are all human beings and, all too often, prejudices and discrimination creep into our everyday lives.

If we take women, as an example, we can see how there are “double standards” for men and for women in terms of what constitutes socially acceptable behaviour—more so in the past as, happily, times do seem to be changing.

Think about it: if a man goes out drinking with his friends, gets drunk and incoherent, it’s all okay as it’s a “boy’s night out”; or, if the same man has a string of casual girlfriends, that’s fine too as he’s simply “showing he’s a man…”

However, in the older days, you’d have to beware the female of the species who emulates the antics of aforesaid man—her reputation would be in tatters! She’d be a social outcast, stigmatised with derogatory names.

Still, as I said, things are changing for the better and previous social taboos for women are gradually being eroded by the advancement of equal rights and the progress of time.

In fact, many of my clients are independent, smart, career women who no longer need to rely upon a man, who no longer need a man permanently in their lives. They often earn more or have better careers than many men. They have lives to live that they don’t want to be encumbered by a long term male partner.

And with this changing social environment and the new found economic freedom many women enjoy.. comes the ability to choose what they want; when they want… and who they want!

Even in the time I have been providing my services to my clients, I have seen a shift in attitudes in and the demographics of those I meet.

Let’s hope the advancement of equality continues until we have a somewhat truly balanced situation…