Epaulet – definition: a shoulder ornament on a uniform especially of a military or naval officer.
OK so be honest what image came into your mind immediately you read today’s word? A movie scene from An Officer & A Gentleman? Calendars with men in uniform? Or maybe a loved one, who is in the military? There is something very striking about a man in a uniform – we imagine being whisked up into his arms and carried off into the sunset. We all have levels of romanticism from the knight on his magnificent steed to a dress-suited gentleman to men in uniform, whether on or partly off!
No matter where you shop you will find multiple ‘corset ripping’ tomes. Not all are set in historical times though; some are delightfully modern with today’s struggle of the sexes. It seems to be that women want the romance but also the independence of modern day. Is this actually possible? Asking a man to be both is probably pushing your luck, but how about his dilemma? If he treats his significant other as a delicate flower he’s being chauvinistic but to let her be ‘her own woman’ he is unsympathetic and unromantic.
Are there any guidelines out there do you think?
My dear friend, Lisa de Nikolits has a most delightful book called West of Wawa, in which the heroine journeys not only geographically but emotionally across Canada. Here is the site and some awesome reviews for the book, I would recommend it. http://www.lisadenikolitswriter.com/WestofWawa.html
It is truly a modern day romance for not only does Benny (heroine) meet some rather scrumptious men but also finds love for herself.
Maybe as modern women we no longer need a man to ‘fulfill’ our emotional void as much as in days gone by. A woman had a certain social standing once she was married and was ‘looked after’ financially – she was complete. This mode of thinking has, in the most part – disappeared however, there are still some women out there that need it! And I, for one, certainly don’t think that is a bad thing, if you can find happiness then go for it.
We have the ability to easily fulfill our own needs now-a-days with our own careers and financial independence but what of those day dreams? Can we separate them from reality or do they linger making an under current of dissatisfaction?
Love should begin with yourself. Not an easy task if you are a mother, I understand that only too well, but when you are happy the people around you notice and respond in a positive way. Self love is not selfish, it is giving everyone a better you.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 