Should a man allow his wife to dig the garden?

Well im proud of you ,and my wife loves digging up the garden she feels good about her self knowing she did it by her self , but im always there with her just incase if she has a problem

Your father lived in a time frame where his statement was true for everyone and he lived with this belief. It worked for him.

Not everyone can accept newer ways of the younger generation, but most will accept the ideals better with a different view of the situation.

Stress the facts that this is something you personally enjoy doing without the help of your husband, like a hobby or a big stress relief. (clears your mind)

Even go as far as to mention the quality time it allows your husband to have with his child. He might relate to that since in his time, the men did not have that much time.

On a more personal note, let your dad know how much you value the sharing part of your marriage rather than the older lable of: 'Women's work (role) vs Men's work (role)'. Ask if he ever felt left out because so much was put on the man back then.

It doesn't sound like this is a big problem other than your wanting more acceptance or respect from your father's point of view.

Keep working at it, with time, he just might say something good, outloud.

PS---Well, since you added the dislike, remember, it's also natural for many fathers to really 'dis-like' the new man in their daughter's life. He might accept him, but may never 'like' him.

Well, your dad just comes from another time where many people thought that way. It's what he believes and he'll probably not change.

You should just accept that he feels that way but also tell him that you love gardening and digging and feel fortunate that you're healthy enough to do it.

Oh, your dad doesn't like your partner? Your partner unfortunately will always be on the short end in that respect. I suppose you're going to need to be firm with your dad that although you love him, you're a big girl now and that you and you alone will make the decision about who you want to share your life with.

I love gardening and decorating, it does not mean your husband is lazy. If your husband did not work, lay on the sofa all day playing computers and ignoring his kids i would agree with your father. I think it is just a case of old fashioned views where a man did all the household and gardening maintenance. (plus we are better than a man at these, don't tell your dad i said that though!!).

I don't see why a strong woman couldn't do some gardening. What makes gardening a male or female activity? If you enjoy it do it.

Men who come home from work after a hard day usually don't want to do anything else.

I agree, it sounds like your father is being sexist. but he might just want to make sure your partner is pulling their fair share of work and not leaving it all up to you

It sounds like you don't have any problem with the arrangement. So, why worry?

Your father is certainly welcome to his opinion, but in the end it's none of his business.

I think you should just ignore him, or roll your eyes whenever he says things like that. No reason to be thin skinned about it.

My sis gardens all the time and her hubby doesn't help. I don't think the arrangement is wrong. I love gardening as well.

That lil bit of additional info answers ur question..... lol yah he is being very sexist.... if you can handle it urself then do it..... this shouldnt even be an issue

If you enjoy it, that is your choice. Your father is old school (deep voice" that MAN WORK UGGG, you no do"), a nice way of calling him sexist.