×
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
  • Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
  • The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
  • P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
  • Email: [email protected]

Unfatherly instincts displayed

Living

Unfatherly instincts displayed“What is wrong with women?” I asked Sam, my friend, in utter indignation.

“But they are women,” he retorted in his usually chauvinistic, laconic manner.

“I know that,” I bellowed back somewhat upset.

Sam had a way with what he saw and said about women. He knew when I was upset and when I was just mad with “small issues” as he termed them. He thought so today. Yet this was not one of those days. The matter at hand concerned life and death. I think life would be appropriate.

I had been transferred to Ethiopia for a couple of months.

As the day of my departure drew closer, Agnes developed an obsession about “staying the course and keeping the faith.”

I say she became obsessed because she would mention this wherever and whenever she spoke.

Prickly subject

“Eric don’t let me down, Eric, our future is rosy, Eric, I will know if you plan on cheating on me… Eric this, Eric that…” Even my mentioning my departure to friends on the phone became a prickly subject.  

Any time she came up with this, I shrugged off her suggestions. At first she seemed to give up on it. Then bang!

Apparently, because of the usual neurosis of fear and insecurity in relationships, Agnes, with advice from friends, was planning to clamp me down.

The night before I met Sam, she had suggested that we have a baby. She tried to talk me into the idea saying this would “secure our future”. All my attempts at convincing her that all would be well was followed by more questioning and ideas about what distraction and strain distance causes to any “normal relationship.” And why few relationships ever survive the distance, if at all.

“I am sure all will be well,” I comforted her. But she would hear none of it.

Of course, at the back of my mind I feared that Agnes would have her way if indeed she meant it. A silent truth that all men admit is that we are helpless. If a woman wants a baby, she can do so at the snap of her finger. No amount of protestations about it not being the right time can dissuade her, try as much as you want.

My heart lurched when Sam told me that Agnes could do worse.

“She could decide to run off with the bloke next door if you spurn her entreaties for a baby … what will you do. I guess when a woman wants to settle, she means and Agnes is there right now. That is women?” he concluded.  

Photo:  Courtesy

Related Topics


.

Similar Articles

.

Recommended Articles