In her university days, Eleanor had often heard from online life coaches and self-proclaimed psychologists that a woman must be strong and independent, needing nothing from men. She took this to heart, determined to embody those ideals.
She met William, who admired her supposed “strength and independence.” On their very first date, he insisted they split the bill. Ah, how proud Eleanor felt, proving she relied on no man.
Soon, they moved in together. Rent was divided equally, groceries paid into a shared tin. If one bought something indulgenta cake, perhapsthe other paid their half. If Eleanor couldnt afford her portion, she either went without or owed William. He always had money; she rarely did.
William often lectured her on spending: “Why take the bus a few stops when you can walk? Why buy expensive ham when cheaper tastes just as good?” If they drove, she paid half for petrol. Every expense was talliedlaundry, showers, even the electricity they used.
When Eleanor fell ill, she burned through her savings on medicine and special foods. Desperate, she borrowed from William just to cover rent and meals the next month.
Only then did she realisethis wasnt strength or independence. It was miserliness.
Their relationship crumbled, and Eleanor began flat-hunting. There, she met Edward, an estate agent who found her a lovely place at a fair price. He paid for her move outright, refusing repayment.
On their first date, when Eleanor tried to pay her share at the café, Edward tapped his temple as if she were mad. He laughed when she offered petrol money after he drove her home.
At first, Eleanor felt uneasywasnt she meant to stand on her own? To prove she wasnt dependent, she hosted a celebratory dinner after moving. Edward arrived with flowers, and her first thought was, *How much will these cost me?* Then she chided herself.
Their romance blossomed. With Edward, she no longer counted pennies till payday or feared falling short on rent. She could be ill as long as needed without starving.
Eleanor married him. Now, she was “weak” and “dependent”and happier than shed ever been.