Yesterday I just had a revelation on how much privilege I have as a female.

I have a cushy arts job that deals with upper middle class clientele, and I'm frequently bombarded by people wanting to pay a high price for my services. My boyfriend is in construction and involved in some entrepreneurial projects, and he frequently has to deal with clientele that are disorganized and dishonest - people don't pay thousands of dollars, people say they'll do something but don't follow through, work-related accidents...He has a lot of work stress because of the industry and nature of his job.

He tells me I'm his comfort and battery charger and source of light in his life, and I'm glad I can fulfill that role for him...but I still feel pretty awful how much he has to deal with. He tells me I live in a "Wonderland" where everything is perfect, and he's right. I've always had my life provided for either by family or by my cushy job and he knows if we get married he'll have to provide for me too, because he won't let me contribute financially. He wants to do it all himself. I sense he's a bit resentful of how good I have it as a female, but he'll never tell me this to my face. All I can do is try to respect what he's doing.

Has anyone else had this revelation as well? A new found appreciation for your boyfriend/husband?

I also had a father that broke his back working to provide for us and yet he had to endure my shrew mother. I just feel like once you realize how difficult some of these men's lives can be, your inner shrew is automatically dissipated. There won't be anything to complain about anymore.

Edit: I'm hoping to have a discussion about your own appreciation for your boyfriend/husband, not advice about mine ;)