Superwomen – can we do it all?
by Erina Lee | September 27th, 2007
My friend calls us superwomen – I think the title applies. As women, we certainly are busier than ever these days – raising families, making warm and inviting homes, creating successful relationships, and having fulfilling careers. But is all of this making us happier?
A recent article in the NY Times refers to several studies on happiness and gender. One study finds that women have become less happy over the past 35 years (Stevenson & Wolfers, 2007). Despite the increased opportunities we have in society, to hold jobs, earn equal wages, we are becoming less satisfied. It is possible that these opportunities have become more of a burden. Not only can women do more, but maybe our standards have increased so that we expect women to do more.
Women strive to be beautiful, kind, nurturing, smart, funny, successful, and sane – and we use our time doing all of these things at the expense of our own happiness. In Krueger’s (2007) study, he shows that we are engaging in fewer activities that bring us the most joy, like spending time with friends and reading books. And instead spend more time working and unwinding by watching television or doing nothing. To all my fellow superwomen out there – and to the supermen too – maybe it’s time we put down the capes and rediscover the things we enjoy.
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September 29th, 2007 at 3:52 am
At one point in my life, I was a “superwoman” and it was completely draining and overwhelming. I thought I had to do everything perfectly and efficiently for my partner. In doing so, I became more of a mother to him and less of a mate and lover. I catered to every wish, want, desire, and need he had to the detriment of my mental and physical well-being. I’m never going to do that again nor do I have a desire to be “all things to all people”. I’m less intense now and I like myself more in this state of contentment and self-reflection. The time will come that I want to be “super” to my potential mate, but it does not mean I have any intention of being a “superwoman” ever again.