Is "wife" demeaning?

anon94785555
Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:37:20 +0000

I know a man who uses the phrase “my first wife, ----” when introducing her- it fits his character to do so, it’s fun when unknowing people give him a strange look, he’s still happily married to her, for 50 years or so by now; his first is his only… And he’s definitely pro women’s lib ideals.

As a woman physician who came of age during the women’s lib era circa the 70’s I have often fought the gender equality battles. I’m not offended by being referred to as my husband’s wife- we own each other’s marital status. Using a first name or the term my wife depends on the circumstances- usage being complimentary or derogatory depends on how the couple views it, it becomes a personal preference.