What do you get when a comic book nerd marries a feminist therapist? A date night to Wonder Woman and a blog post about it. As a couple and family therapist, I am keenly aware of what makes marriages stronger and where they fail. So I am grateful for my husband’s willingness to communicate, openness with feelings, and strong desire for equality in our marriage. While I don’t prescribe what equality and fairness should look like in a relationship, my work with couples helps each partner both feel valued and supported. Like Wonder Woman, I try to protect what is good in this world (love). And I also try to make this world a better place (strengthen relationships and families).
Let’s face it, this world needs Wonder Woman right now. We’re divided nationally and globally to the point where empathy has dissipated. Many people live in fear about the current administration and the parallels to Nazi Germany. Female and minority politicians are interrupted and criticized for “persisting.” Black men are murdered by the police and their killers are exonerated. Needless to say, the state of the world is disheartening to many.
With all that in mind, it’s exhilarating seeing a movie in which the lead character is a powerful woman standing up for justice. Chills went down my spine as I watched women fight alongside one another and protect what matters to them. Seeing the diverse group of Amazon warriors band together and fight for what they believe in should be a lesson to us all. We need to find a common goal and come together as a community, a city, a state, and a nation.
The Take Away from Wonder Woman?
I hope girls learn that they can be strong and still be a woman and that boys learn that feminine strength is vital. Also that love trumps hate, especially when we come together. I also want people to have hope—hope for themselves, their families, and the world. When couples have hope, I’ve seen them move from the brink of divorce to having a mutually satisfying marriage. Sure a lot of work goes into that but it’s the hope that allows them to seek couples counseling and turn things around.
I encourage you to fight for what matters to you. Perhaps that’s your marriage, your family, or advocating for causes you believe in. Maybe it’s making sure your kid gets the IEP they need or electing politicians who share your values. Whatever it is, commit to that. Fight for that. Stand on the side of justice, the side of love.