The Invisible Woman

If women didn't learn anything else growing up in the south, we are tirelessly whipped into shape to be the perfect wives to our husbands, or future husbands, rather. In the late 1970's, we see Candy, drowning in the mundane, stale, task of a run down housewife fulfilling the contracted obligations of matrimony. By the time a little girl is Jenny's age, happily ever afters are force fed through Disney fairy-tale's and plastic infant dolls with pink strollers to match. Candy realizes her efforts and talent fell on deaf ears and blind eyes when it concerns her husband. Whether Pat realizes it or even cares, his wife feels deserted and alone. Some men don't grow up to be as emotionally intelligent as they would like to be. The sad part is some men don't feel valued in relationships past providing. Even though this is true, we as women, like Candy desire more than just a role in the household. We grow cold in our significant other's shadowy content, so when another person is shining a light on us, we sprint at the chance to bask in that sunlight. This is not said to provide praise or encouragement for Candy's behavior with Alan, but rather a cautionary tale of truly seeing your partner and making sure they feel seen. I couldn't help but feel sad when Candy's eyes lit up at Pat, in a desperate attempt to feel desired, she was pushed aside for an evening sitcom. Where do we point blame ? The church that encourages us to keep our men content and happy at the sake of our own happiness or do we blame our partners for something they simply weren't taught as young boys. Either way, we have all felt stuck and unappreciated at least once if not more by our partners. While Candy took the risk of losing her family by having an affair just to feel seen, she ended up making another woman feel invisible simultaneously, exactly how her husband made her feel. This show exemplifies the extremes and length of what women go to when veiled by their husbands, that unfortunately reaches a tragic end.