A segment on one of my favorite news shows – Rock Center with B. Dubbs (or Brian Williams) – was on Gabrielle Reece and her new book on life and marriage called My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper-A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life. Gabrielle Reece is a stunning, former volleyball star who has graced the covers of magazines for her prowess and beauty. In her book, Gabrielle expresses her take on marriage, on women and femininity. She shares about her how her 17 year marriage to her husband, Laird Hamilton, almost ended after four years. Instead of jumping ship, they chose to buckle down and figure out how to best complement each other and made it work. Here’s a link to the video of her segment.
I found it so interesting! Gabby has drawn ire for her quotes on choosing the role of service in her marriage. She even uttered the word submissive. To me, each marriage is different and each one has its own balance. What works for one couple might not work for another. I believe the two in the marriage are the only ones who get to dictate that balance – which is why I don’t really get all up in arms about what someone else says works for them. Marriage and its success depends on finding the balance that works for both sides and maintaining it for the long haul.
MJ watched it with me and when the segment ended, I had to ask what he thought. We talked about how each of us sees the balance of our relationship currently (I would say we are more modern in our gender roles with a healthy dose of traditional). We discussed if there are areas we thought the balance should change. I really appreciated the inspiration to chat about us. I could talk about it for hours. :)
Having Gabrielle, a woman who appears to have it all, pull back the curtain and expose that life, while wonderful, is not perfect and is not a fairytale, is incredibly refreshing. Everyone has to deal with the grind of daily living. Everyone has warts. We get to decide how to set the tone.
What do you think? Agree or disagree with Gabby?
Do you adhere to traditional gender roles or is yours a more modern take?
I would love hear your take.
Take care.
Image from our family photo shoot a few years ago with Jennifer Witt Photography.
P.S. Another post coming up quick!
