There was this kind of traditional expectation in this country too, many years ago. I doubt I would have been happier with the idea of sacrificing and tearing myself apart for others back then. In my eyes, this concept only creates a burden, not happiness. However, bearing burdens is only possible if you have a solid foundation of contentment. So how is that supposed to work? A cycle of fatigue, excessive demands, frustration... Have you heard the expression ‘Mothers little Helpers’? That's what Valium was called when it was increasingly prescribed to housewives in the 1950s and 1960s to make their everyday lives easier to bear. You can guess what happens next. Serial drug addiction, withdrawal clinics sprang up. For the first time, people became aware of the injustice of women's multiple burdens - and society began to change. Okay, slowly, very slowly. But maybe you can do it in Pakistan without taking a diversion via drug abuse...?
You make a compelling point, and I completely agree. The cycle of endless demands and frustrations often leaves little room for personal happiness, let alone contentment.
Is there a way around it?
I have often felt the same way! But what's the solution?
Here, the challenge is more complex because deeply ingrained cultural norms often reinforce these expectations. However, as you said, maybe we can find a way without going down the same harmful path. Perhaps I can do something when it comes to my own situation—but beyond that, there's little I can change. I have to find a way to make things work within these constraints...
Thank you for reaching out and for the understanding. Means a lot really ❤️