While living through the ups and downs of life, we often forget the bottom line- to be happy. And with society already assigning different roles and responsibilities to us, we end up burning ourselves out just to achieve them.
However, it’s not necessary for a woman to be a master homemaker or a man to be the breadwinner. What matters is how people share responsibilities and do all it takes to live happily with their loved ones.
Independent journalist, Sayantan Ghosh, was also going through a rough patch in his life. But what kept him afloat and gave him the courage to get back on his feet was his partner’s trust and his family’s belief in him.
Sharing a very intimate leaf from his life, Ghosh posted a thread of tweets that struck a chord with us.
He went on to share how back in November 2021, he lost his job. A devastated Ghosh was left with only two choices; either to relocate to Dehi to look for opportunities or to return to his hometown where his partner and her daughter stay.
Or to return to Kolkata my hometown where my partner & her daughter stays. She is a working single mother. We decided that I will return. To spend time with the little one, with my partner, my parents. Today, I am working independently.
— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh) April 28, 2022
They together came to the conclusion that he must return to his partner, her daughter, and his family living in Kolkata.
Even though he wasn’t earning much as an independent journalist, he got the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the people he loved dearly. He learned new skills and stood like a rock next to his partner.
I don’t earn much. But we try to spend a lot of time together. Where I learn parenting, become friends with the little one, be by her side in a legal battle, plan trips, cook for us, plan future & many more.
— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh) April 28, 2022
This is when he realized that everyone was doing it wrong all this while. More than giving up on the gender stereotypes, we should work towards finding ‘happiness, sanity & togetherness’.
Gender teaches us wrong. We chose happiness, sanity & togetherness over gender roles. And today, we are living our life. Soon planing to move in together. Today morning I wanted to convey. If you are a man it’s ok to earn less. It’s ok to look after family and daily chores.
— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh) April 28, 2022
He concluded with a very important message:
“If you are a man it’s ok to earn less. It’s ok to look after family and daily chores.”
People were all hearts about his thought process and how he and his partner were striking a balance together.
This is so heartwarming! Wishing all three of you lifetime of loving togetherness 😍
— ঈশিতা (Ishita Mukherjee) (@Ishcomic) April 28, 2022
And here is a tweet, which smells rain during hot summer days…. Congratulations to you on choosing “Life” over madness… Sending love and bestest wishes..
— Saikata ..ਸਾਇਕਤਾ (@saikata4u) April 28, 2022
Heartwarming to see such great understanding between you two. Sometimes God is kind with people in their second innings. Let your Love blossom🌸
— Ravi R Saigal (@RaviRSaigal1) April 28, 2022
Everything you wrote is perfect. Perfect. Perfect. It is not as difficult to be happy doing anything irrespective of the gender. And, I don’t have a ghost of a notion why it gave me happy tears. I think it’s okay. People should be happy and not stereotyping. Best, to you and fam.
— Saurabh (@thaakursaab) April 28, 2022
More power to you. This is one think I have realised with time, no amount of earning/income can define a relationship. Job is not anyone’s identity. I wish you a wonderful relationship and yes, love prevails!
— Sharanya (@SKaveettil) April 28, 2022
More power to you! Hopefully we will break these gender roles and stereotypes one by one. I drive always because my husband hates driving. He changes diapers because I’ve had a massive back issue post pregnancy. Hopefully my daughter will not associate these tasks with gender.
— Sweta Dutta (@swetadutta27) April 28, 2022
Totally agree with you. Very good decision. Where is it written one gender should earn more? Every family unit estaoblishes its own equation. Happiness and love is the core. Rest all can be adjusted around it. Best to you, your partner and the child Sayantan.
— Vidyottama (@VidyottamaPS) April 28, 2022
It takes guts to accept this in patriarchal society. And it takes guts to choose life and love over competition. I wish I can be like u.
— NEHA (@neha025) April 28, 2022
Thank you for saying this openly & without any inhibitions
Thank you for sharing it with us
It’s very inspiring
And wish you & your loved ones with lots & lots of good & warm wishes!!— Harmeet Kaur (@iamharmeetK) April 28, 2022
If you think of it, Ghosh said nothing extraordinary. But the gender stereotypes are so ingrained in our minds that it feels so fresh and heartwarming. Seems like we needed someone to put this out LOUD AND CLEAR! Thank you, Sayantan!