That makes sense. I figured a cultural difference had to be at play. In the states I’m noticing a huge movement of men who have no interest in getting married because the woman can leave at any given point (and do in much higher numbers than the men) and basically bankrupt the men, along with depriving them of their children.

I’m not saying we don’t have bastards here that women need to be able to escape from, just that the pendulum seems to have swung a different direction here, which has caused that same skepticism on the other gender’s behalf.

As a side note, my wife’s desire to be a house wife was a pretty big part of my decision to propose. Her assistance at home unlocked a ton of freedom and even financial possibility for us.

There is more than one way to make sure a woman isn’t trapped. It was my initiative to make sure the land was jointly held, that she had access to the same accounts I did, and to make sure she stayed (geographically) close to her own family and was in regular contact with them. (Means and a place to go is essential to any woman attempting to escape an abusive situation) I would encourage any young woman to seek a man that does the same - and to consider the opposite a huge red flag.

It’s a comfort to me that she’s set up this way, as it removes a temptation to get away with any misbehavior or taking for granted - as I don’t have to worry about feeling like I could get away with it. If that makes any sense.