Thursday, April 28, 2011

X is for Xanthippe...............

     X was a real challenge for me.  Actually, I was scared to see it come.  The only word that I could think of was X-ray and I thought "too simple, I don't want to do that one".  So I got online and look at Webster's online dictionary and began looking at all the X words.  I learned that Xanthochromatic means yellow and that it a word begins with the prefix Xantho yellow is involved, IE xanthoderma means yellowing of the skin. But , that is not what caught my eye.  I saw the word Xanthippe(zen-tip-pi) and decided to look at the definition.  It means an ill-tempered, or nagging wife.
     It originated in Greek mythology. Xanthippe was Socrates' wife. She was know to be harsh. An ill tempered woman and nagging wife. According to legend, Socrates knew of her ill attitude but wanted to marry her anyway so that he could practice his patience.   Stories claim that Xanthippe threw washing water on Socrates, poured a chamber pot over his head, and trampled on a cake during the midst of her anger.
     I'll be honest. Sometimes I can be a Xanthippe to my husband.  I can be ill tempered at times, although I try hard not to be. I will apologize when I see my attitude not being one of love and support.  My desire is to be a loving, uplifting and encouraging wife to my husband.  He is too good to me for me to be otherwise.  May us married woman  be the wife that Christ has called us to be.

4 comments:

Dawn M. Hamsher said...

Can't we all! I have to really watch my snippy behavior.

Shelli said...

Great word! I have a tendency to go Xanthippe on my husband at least once a month. ;)

Mary Aalgaard said...

Interesting word.

Brianna said...

Interesting word! I'm glad you decided to investigate it. I can be a bit xanthippe at times :)