Older Women Are Revealing What The 20th Century “Tradwife” Lifestyle Was Actually Like, And Some Of These Will Break Your Heart
1. The Endless Chores
“We had to do everything — cooking, cleaning, laundry, and taking care of the kids. There was no ‘me time.’ It was exhausting.”
2. Unappreciated Work
“No one ever thanked us for what we did. It was just expected. Our husbands went to work, and we did everything else.”
3. Limited Freedom
“We couldn’t go out without our husband’s permission. Even visiting friends or family needed approval.”
4. Financial Dependence
“We didn’t have our own money. Every single thing we needed had to be asked for. It made us feel like children.”
5. Strict Gender Roles
“Men worked, women stayed home. There was no room for anything different. If you wanted a career, you were seen as selfish.”
6. Lack of Support
“If we were struggling, there was no help. Mental health wasn’t even a concept back then. You just had to deal with it.”
7. Social Expectations
“Society expected us to be perfect housewives. Any deviation and you were judged harshly.”
8. Isolation
“We spent most of our time alone, especially when the kids were at school. It was lonely.”
9. No Voice
“We didn’t have a say in major decisions. Everything was up to our husbands.”
10. Constant Judgment
“Other women would judge you if your house wasn’t spotless or your kids misbehaved. It was relentless.”
11. Limited Education
“We were often discouraged from pursuing higher education. Our job was to marry and have children.”
12. Pressure to Conform
“There was immense pressure to look and act a certain way. Deviating meant social ostracism.”
13. Suppressed Dreams
“Many of us had dreams we had to give up because our role was predefined.”
14. Domestic Abuse
“Domestic abuse was swept under the rug. Women were expected to endure it silently.”
15. Health Neglect
“Our health often took a backseat. We were too busy taking care of everyone else.”
16. Emotional Burden
“We carried the emotional burden of the household. There was no one to share it with.”
17. No Retirement
“There was no retirement for us. We worked until we physically couldn’t anymore.”
18. Invisible Labor
“Much of our work was invisible. It was vital but went unnoticed.”
19. Changing Times
“Things are better now, but it’s important to remember what it was like. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come.”
