Skip to content

A wife should always be few feet behind her husband. If he…

“A wife should always be few feet behind her husband. If he is an MA you should be a BA.If he is 5'4'tall you shouldn't be more than 5'3'tall. If he is earning five hundred rupees you should never earn more than four hundred and ninety nine rupees.That's the only rule to follow if you want a happy…” quote by Shashi Deshpande
Download Open image
“A wife should always be few feet behind her husband. If he is an MA you should be a BA.If he is 5'4'tall you shouldn't be more than 5'3'tall. If he is earning five hundred rupees you should never earn more than four hundred and ninety nine rupees.That's the only rule to follow if you want a happy marriage...No partnership can ever be equal.It will always be unequal, but take care it is unequal in favor of the husband. If the scales tilt in your favor, God help you, both of you.”

Shashi Deshpande

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote argues that a marriage should be hierarchical, with the husband always holding a slight advantage in status, income, and stature, suggesting that equality leads to unhappiness.

In simple terms: Marriage should favor the husband slightly; equality is seen as harmful.

Key Takeaway

Accept a modest imbalance in marriage.

Themes

gender roles marriage power dynamics

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

advice social commentary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • career decisions
  • financial negotiations
  • social expectations
  • relationship counseling

Key Concepts

patriarchy social expectations inequality

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you think a slight imbalance truly creates happiness?
  • How can couples balance fairness with cultural expectations?
A Different Perspective

The view ignores modern values of partnership and mutual respect, and can perpetuate oppression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Shashi Deshpande

Explore all 14 Shashi Deshpande quotes

More Behinds quotes

Browse all 6,789 Behinds quotes