Role Reversal, or is it?

Well I had the opportunity to chat with a person yesterday I would consider a good acquaintence. We seem to always hit it off really good and she knows I am a Stay at Home Dad. And for the umpteenth time I heard that question most commonly asked by acquaintences or friends you haven’t talked to in a while, “So how is the role reversal going Steve?”

Now, I understand in most cases people aren’t trying to call me a woman. I understand that really. But what drives me nuts is people think all my wife does is work and neglect the kids, and on the flip side all I do is wear an apron and vacuum. Stereotypes!

So the jerk that I am, I replied yesterday with “Role reversal? What do you mean?” See I was baiting and prepared for what was to come since I had been in this same situation many times in the past. “Well you stay home with the kids right?” she insisted.

“Why yes I stay home with the kids still, but what do you mean role reversal?” I asked.

She looks at me for a minute, “Well your wife works and you stay home, ain’t that a role reversal?”

Oh man, I was so fortunate to get a question just like that. “Well, yes and no” I added. “If it is a role reversal then why am I moving and stacking 10 cords of wood, painting the house, mowing the lawn, and making household repairs?”

Her reply followed by a chuckle, “Ok I get your point!”

I am not trying to really be a jerk in these situations but rather educate people who are so quick to call my situation a role reversal. I am sure my wife wouldn’t appreciate it either. But hey I understand people aren’t really thinking when they say role reversal. I bet if they thought about it long enough they would assume it wasn’t a “true” role reversal. But, hey I can’t help myself.