A very good post. I have lived and worked in the US although I do not do so currently, but when I first went there in my twenties, it was like stepping backwards in time, with regard to male and female relationships. [Not to be rude - there is much that is terrific about the US]
I had a very progressive father whose own mother had taught him that men and women need to be able to take care of themselves. So I went to prestigious and mainly male university at a time when many women didn't go at all [In fact my children's friends think it is very cool]
But I think we still pedal and buy into the myth that women need protecting. And I agree about love and teh prupose of life with your therapist. She sounds like a cool woman.
I used to read my children 'The Wrestling Princess' and books like that that reinforced the idea that women could be capable and funny. Well, I got it across to my kids, but old patterns die hard and my MLC xh wanted someone to rescue, as he has admitted, and I didn't fit the bill so he found himself a damsel in distress! And boy was she in distress.
The point is it is them and not us, as you know. I wasn't needy enough - in fact as my xh said, somewhat resentfully when he left 'You will be all right' as if he alrady knew he wouldn't.
It is very hard for both men and women to be authentic and live up to the expectations of society, and the myths it pedals. A film I do not like overall is 'My Best Friend's wedding' from the theme song 'Wishing and Hoping' ['do your hair just for him'? come on, get real] to the idea that we are completed by love. Although it has a great scene in it of Rupert Everitt singing 'Say a little prayer for me' which almost makes up for the rest.
