THE KITCHEN!

Seriously, if I had to judge solely from what I see on a daily basis, most women don't have a clue where they actually belong...

Sorry, I couldn't help that one, but I'm definitely just kidding. On a more serious note, my real issue is with the fact that there are a lot of women who believe that they are supposed to be their significant other's biggest cheerleaders and supporters, no matter the circumstances. I believe this quote is partly to blame:

"Behind every great man is an even greater woman."

At first glance, this is an inspiring saying that tells everyone that there is a great woman pushing a great man forward into his success. That's cool and all, but in order to push someone forward you have to stand behind them.

Side by side.

Think about it. Most women are conditioned to believe that their hopes and dreams should dim in comparison to a mans. How often do you hear of men quitting their jobs because their woman got a new position that requires them to relocate? What about men choosing to stay at home with their children while the woman continues to further her career? Hardly ever. You are more than likely to see the exact opposite of this fairly often in our society. My wife always asks the question, "When does that leave time for the woman to become great?" How do you get this "greater woman" if she never has the opportunity to pursue her own dreams because she's constantly changing her plans to accommodate the man's wishes?

In my honest opinion, it shouldn't be that way. My wife and I have this thing where we compete with each other in EVERY aspect of our marriage. Who can get the best grades, promoted the quickest, beat video games the fastest, get up the stairs the quickest, or even get to the car first! She pushes me forward and I push her forward just the same. Her dreams and goals inspire me to be a better man at the end of the day. I try my absolute best to keep my own stuff from interfering with what she has going on because I understand how hard it can be to do what you love. I support her in her efforts and she supports me in mine. We're a team of two and we walk together, side by side, while we celebrate in our success.

Not her behind me or me behind her. This is how it should be! The bible says that the woman was made from the rib, right? This leads me to believe that a woman's place is by a man's side, not behind him. If that was the case then she would have been pulled from a vertebrae or the tailbone or something.

Listen, I know this won't work for everyone, but I believe in equal opportunity relationships. They can be a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience if both partners realize the importance of each person being an individual and having their own success or even joint success. I think it's just sad when women do away with their own dreams just to follow a guy. But hey, people have to live their own lives, so continue to do whatever you think is right.

Just consider this quote before you go:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together"

Visit Derrell's blog at DerrellJamison.com and follow him on twitter!