Men will bear many things from a kept mistress, which they would not bear from a wife

Men will bear many things from a kept mistress, which they would not bear from a wife

In the 18th century, during the time of Samuel Richardson, societal norms and expectations regarding marriage and relationships were vastly different from what they are today. Men were often expected to marry for social status, financial stability, and to produce heirs, rather than for love or personal fulfillment. As a result, many men sought companionship and emotional fulfillment outside of their marriages, often in the form of a kept mistress.

A kept mistress was a woman who was financially supported by a man in exchange for her companionship and sexual favors. While this arrangement was not openly accepted by society, it was a common practice among the upper classes and was often seen as a way for men to fulfill their emotional and physical needs without the constraints of marriage.

One of the reasons why men were willing to bear many things from a kept mistress that they would not bear from a wife was the lack of societal expectations and obligations that came with the relationship. In a marriage, there were certain expectations placed on both parties, such as fidelity, loyalty, and emotional support. However, with a kept mistress, these expectations were often more relaxed, allowing men to explore their desires and fulfill their needs without the fear of judgment or societal repercussions.

Additionally, the power dynamics in a relationship with a kept mistress were often skewed in favor of the man, giving him more control and authority over the relationship. This allowed men to dictate the terms of the relationship and set boundaries that suited their needs and desires, without having to compromise or consider the feelings of their partner.

Furthermore, the emotional and physical intimacy that men experienced with a kept mistress was often more fulfilling and satisfying than what they experienced in their marriages. Kept mistresses were often chosen for their beauty, charm, and ability to fulfill the emotional and physical needs of their partners, making them more desirable and appealing than their wives.

Overall, the relationship between a man and his kept mistress during the time of Samuel Richardson was complex and multifaceted, offering men a sense of freedom, fulfillment, and satisfaction that they may not have found in their marriages. The willingness of men to bear many things from a kept mistress that they would not bear from a wife was a reflection of the societal norms and expectations of the time, as well as the desire for emotional and physical fulfillment outside of the constraints of marriage.