Definition Essay: “Wife”
Family members assume different roles and responsibilities. For instance, one could be the father to children in the family; and at the same time, assume the role of a husband to a wife; and as a son to his loving parents. One could also be a brother to other siblings. The role could even extend to being a grandson, an uncle, and a cousin to an extended family. For the purpose of complying with the requirements of this essay, one aims to define the role of a wife. I am 25 years old from Saudi Arabia; and my wife is 21 years old. We are both studying in UAS.
A wife assumes the role of a loving and supportive partner to her spouse. She is able to manifest the positive traits that her husband has appreciated and made him fall in love with her. She should be able to exude a pleasant disposition and an optimistic aura to be a positive inspiration to her husband. The wife should treat her husband with respect and trust. She should be able to communicate well and be well versed in engaging in an open and continuous conversation with her husband throughout their lives as husband and wife. Based on experience, one is convinced that communication is a crucial ingredient in the matrimonial relationship. Likewise, as a wife, the husband expects her to keep him happy in bed. There should have been an intimate bond shared between them that make their sexual encounters satisfying. Likewise, the role of a wife includes assuming a proactive stance in anticipating the needs of her husband. This would actually necessitate expressing and sharing each other’s’ interests, likes, dislikes, plans, goals, and objectives in the short and long-term. Sharing intimate and personal information regarding various endeavors would enable a loving and supportive wife to anticipate the husband’s requirements and needs and be able to provide them within the means and resources that is currently provided and accessible.
Finally, as a wife, she should be able to balance other roles and responsibilities equitably and justifiably. The husband knows that she also assumes the roles of a mother, a daughter, a sister, and other supportive roles to her extended family members. As such, she must be able to undertake the tasks and responsibilities expected in these roles without jeopardizing the primary role as a wife to her husband.
Three Kinds of Extended Definition
Since the role of a wife has evolved through time, the definition has likewise transcended over the past. The following extended definitions of the term ‘wife’ are hereby discussed and presented, as follows:
- Historical
As far as I remember in previous research on the origin of the meaning of ‘wife’, the term actually originated with some contractions of ‘wif’ which meant female and ‘mann’ which is male. Therefore, the historical meaning of the term was actually identifying a woman, originated from being identified as the female companion of a man. Early on, wife has already been associated with a man’s female companion or chosen partner in life. The term has been mentioned in old religious books and was appropriately identified to relate to the female human being who has been selected as a lifetime partner of a male with whom reproduction was to subsequently and naturally occur.
- Negative
The negative definition of the term ‘wife’ could be regarded in terms of being subservient
- Simulative
A simulative definition of the term ‘wife’ exemplifies terminologies which are synonymous with the role and functions expected. Since the focus is on imitating or mimicking the responsibilities and roles supposedly assumed by the wife, the resulting role is deemed ineffective in complying with the expected features and ideal characteristics the embody the actual role. A simulated definition of the term ‘wife’ therefore apparently exhibits mirror image of the role and responsibilities of the wife; but fails to perform accordingly. There could be failure in terms of adhering to the expectations of the husband, of family members, of social circles, or that which is dictated by the norms and value systems of the culture. As such, the wife could go through the traditional performance of stipulated and expected roles and responsibilities as identified above; but the true essence and meaning of the word in terms of sincerity and genuineness of feelings and commitment to her husband, to her children, and to other members of the family could be insufficient and wanting.
The definition essay has successfully described and presented features and characteristics that aptly describe the role of a wife. Likewise, it also expounded on the three kinds of extended definitions of the term through describing historical, negative, and simulative definitions. As evident, the role, characteristics, features, expectations, and responsibilities of a wife have evolved through time and are diverse according to social and cultural orientations.
