As the years go by, I recall previous conversations and process them through a sharper lens. Today I was struck by the gravity of this statement and how incredibly offensive it was, especially given its context.

I had just been diagnosed with a lifetime, degenerative autoimmune disease and terminated from my job within the span of several months. I was broke, scared shitless about my future, and in a world of psychological hurt. At a time when encouragement and support was so desperately needed, my girlfriend was kind enough to reveal her true nature with this statement and its corresponding inflection and body language. It was also incredibly hypocritical, given my previous unquestioning support of her own medical issues.

It really is true that a man is entirely judged by his ability to produce and provide. Once we show any weakness, it is amazing how quickly women (and society in general) can turn on us.