Library Elise Sutton

Female Supremacy Articles - Page 18

Screen 23 of 36

"We were clear on what we wanted to do when we were dating, so there were no surprises," says Ms. Hollie, who went on to get a master's degree. It helped, they say, that early in their careers they both worked in areas of social services.

Still, their blue collar项圈 — a band worn around the neck-white collar项圈 — a band worn around the neck relationship isn't without its ups and downs.

For Ms. Hollie, the biggest challenge is the rigid schedule of a police officer. As with most blue-collar项圈 — a band worn around the neck jobs, when her husband starts his shift, he can't leave until it's done. And the fact that the hours can be anything but 9 to 5 aggravates Ms. Hollie.

"Not having the flexibility and knowing that he's restricted has been frustrating," she says, especially when trying to coordinate carpools and after-school activities.

And then there are those company parties.

Mr. Hollie says he's learned — albeit grudgingly — to mingle at parties that bring together CEOs for his wife's job.

And his wife admits that going to his company parties can be "uncomfortable" at times for her. "I end up knowing his bosses. So it's odd. I deal with them on a different level than he does."

Still, both say they've been able to talk through issues and avoid conflict, though Mr. Hollie does occasionally question the dry cleaning bill.

"We found a way early on to communicate," Mr. Hollie says. "Her making more or me earning less isn't an issue."