Last night we sat around as a group in the garden, the majority of us naked, and..

We began a debate about two essential aspects of human life: what is the essence of a man, and what is the essence of a woman. You can guess it got lively.

My mother stated that whatever else a woman might do, at home her essence is in being a wife (sexual partner) and a mother, as well as queen of the home.

My father stated that the essence of a man is to be a provider, an enabler, a respite and a mate. He got some looks from younger members of the group, and he clarified. No matter how the modern era bends things out of shape the essence in history is for a man to be the main breadwinner, he provides the fabric from which the wife makes their home. He enables his wife and children to strive for their best, with costs, yes, but also with capacity. My father would come home from work and ensure we had completed our extra studies which he set before we went to bed.

My aunt Piermaria stated that a woman is her best in her home. She got some looks from the younger debaters but she stuck to her words. She added that a man must care for his wife and children in every way that is deemed necessary.

My younger cousin Giuseppe stated, a man is someone who is reliable and thinks about his family before he thinks about himself. He added that a woman is a compliment to a man, and that together they are a formidable duo to face the world and its challenges.

I saw a number of the others agreeing with him, including Edoardo! My view is a little more liberal in effect but my family were simply reiterating traditional Sicilian views and traditions.