By Lois E. Wilson
Over the years in many of my work situations, I have worked closely with women. In some of these my superiors were women. I have never found them difficult to work with or for. They did not consider me competition. They did not try to interfere or sabotage my tasks. We were always team players. One’s success was a success for all. Those were good work environments and I am thankful for what I learned in each area of endeavor.
In my lifetime, I have encountered a few types of women—some with different and perhaps less desirable personalities. Below are some categories that might fit them:
First is the “Prima Donna.” It is Italian for the “first lady” or lead singer in operas. The term is now also applied to one with a great and/or touchy self esteem. The person often tries to be the sole focus of attention, appears late to events and activities, and may indulge in displays of temperament. To serve her needs, she is also prone to give sharp-toned, specific directions to others.
“Diva” was once mostly defined as a glamorous and successful performer or personality, especially in the entertainment field. The brains and beauty of a shallow diva that dies in a car accident vs. the brilliance and likeability of her soul which returns as another person was explored in the TV comedy series “Drop Dead Diva.”
A man who is emotionally demanding and wants to be the center of attention is sometimes called a male diva or “divo.” He pays fastidious care in his choice of wardrobe and fusses if everything is not perfect.
An old term which I recently heard applied in a new way is “housemother.” The original definition described a woman living in a group residence who acts as a hostess, chaperone, and sometimes housekeeper.
Today the term could be used to indicate a parent (like a helicopter parent) who hovers overhead full time to watch every action of their child’s life. If that is the case, it would be a negative observation.
I prefer to think of the term in a positive manner. The housemother might be an additional set of eyes which watches people, their interactions, and observes needs not visible to others who could help if there.
So if any of these terms were applied to me personally, I hope that it would be “housemother.” It is one I’m happy to bear. In regard to the terms—pick your own if one fits.