Personally, I'm tired of proving what I am - I am a woman. I have the ability to take care of myself and my young alone if needed. I can hang drywall, do small engine repairs, cook dinner, work a full time job & still have an abundance of energy for my children. I don''t need a man to take care of me, and for 7 years I did just that - took care of myself.
But, I also appreciate the fact that men are what they are. We are perfect compliments (usually) one to the other - if we just accept & appreciate the differences. I appreciate that men arent typically as "sensitive or emotional as I am - I need to be brought back to reality every once in awhile, and I'm not ashamed to say it. I like the feeling of the strong sense of security my hubby brings to me, and I'm not ashamed of that either. Sure, some of his typical maleness bothers me on occassion, but sh*t - he has to deal with me! Turnabout's fair play.
I can be strong when I have to be - but its nice to know that I don't always have to be. My hubby is to an extent the"head of the household"', and I'm not ashamed of that either, because he doesnt behave as lord and master.