ladies, don't you find this offensive?

[swissmiss04]

I agree. It's tacky. Instead of worrying about it, just don't ever give them your business. If you call and complain about their name, they'll likely hang up and laugh. But if you make sure that you and your friends/family never patronize them, then you've done your part.

[pixell]

It's a silly name..but doesn't really offend me. I think most people that see that sign (and even those that use the business) don't actually think a wife's sole job is to do housework. It's just a clever name.
There's a little company in SC that's called "Rent-a-Man" that does yardwork/landscaping/repairs/etc. I always laughed at the sign and thought they were catchy. "rent a wife"'s not really different though I can see how it could bother people.

[Kimmie1913]

I don't think it is the best name ever. Also, considering how many busy working women there are out there, who may need these same services but be put off by the name makes it not the bast choice to me. Not the end of the world or the undoing of the equality movement, though.

Similarly, at one of the law firms where I previously worked, one of the female senior associates once quipped to me that she needed a wife. Her point being she needed someone to go fetch her dry cleaning, clean her house and prepare her meals, etc like the guys had.

[aephi alum]

It's a poor choice of name. Yes, it's catchy and memorable, but it plays into an outdated stereotype that many professional women, myself included, would like to keep in the past. I wouldn't give them my business. Nor would I use a company called "Rent-a-Husband" - I have my own, and one is quite enough!

[honeychile]

I'm not at my own house (still at my mama's while she recuperates), but I have a wonderful article on "Why I Want a Wife" at home. I'll be sure to dig it out when I go get my mail - it talks about how much a woman does for her husband, and how the woman writer wouldn't mind having someone do the same for her!

That said (*hikes up belt*) I got me my own power tools, and I know how to use 'em! I helped build my kitchen and bath, and have recently started a mudroom-like entry in the basement.

[aephi alum]

Hey, this gives me an idea for a new company: "Rent-A-Jewish-Wife". She doesn't cook, clean, and run your errands -- she nags you until you give in and do it yourself!

Who's with me??

[Eclipse]

Originally posted by Kimmie1913
Similarly, at one of the law firms at which I previously work one of the female senior associates once quipped to me that she needed a wife. Her point being she needed someone to go fetch her dry cleaning, clean her house and prepare her meals, etc like the guys had.

I say this ALL the time! As a matter of fact, I say this to my husband: we both need a stay at home wife. I'm not offended by the title.

[XOMichelle]

I cringe when I see things like this... not beacause it's annoying to be seen as someone who cleans the house or what have you but because there are still girls in this country and on earth who are not allowed to do things outsude their role, and do not have the independence, financial or otherwise to lead the life they chose to lead. It's sad how quickly we forget how much our mothers and grandmothers worked for us to be able to do whatever we want to do.