I feel like women say this all the time. When I complete a task at home like putting up a shelf or something, I often use the phrase: “Look at me. I’m a strong, independent woman!” My husband HATES when I say this. He gets offended and says “No. I I want you to be dependent. We should be depending on each other.” I feel like he reading way into things. He’ll say things like “ You don’t need me?” And “I want you to need me.” The thing is, I have always believed that you should be self sufficient. And after growing up in an abusive household, I learned to be independent very quickly, so I can meet my goals. I love my husband, my friends, my family, but I’ve always been of the mindset of “If I can do it, then I’ll just do it” that way I’m not waiting on anyone and I can get the thing done I need to get done. I’ve always been praised for this, this is the first time I’ve heard criticism for it. Of course I need my husband for support if we are going to have kids and run a home, but I still believe in being as independent as possible. Yes I let him help me if he asks (he almost never does).