Sexual Cannibalism

Last night, I was watching Nova on channel 10.  Could you believe PBS had a program on about sexual cannibalism?  Alright, alright, it was referring to the insect world but I have to admit, I was thrown off guard.

Insects like the Praying Mantis and the Austrailian Redback spider (females) actually eat their sexual partners - while in the sexual act itself!  The Redback is so extraordinary because the male literally offers himself by flipping over on to the bigger female.  He begins to copulate and she begins to feast.  Wow!

So then I began to think, how similar this is to some human relationships.  How many times have we watched a strong, capable man offer himself willingly to his love and she turn around and scratch his eyes out?  Hey, I've got two ex-sisters-in-law that would fit that description perfectly.  But even more than that, I have a male friend who is married and has children.  He works, cleans up, cooks, take care of the kids while this woman either sleeps all day (claiming to be sick - no one is sick that much) or on the phone all day gossiping.  He can't have friends.  She doesn't like them.  Can't have a good relationship with his own family either.  She's intimidated by them.  But oh, he must LOVE her family and jump at every wish - of hers and theirs.  Epiphany.  She's eaten him up.  Devoured him.  And if he doesn't watch it, he'll be nonexistant in his own eyes since he's obviously nothing in her's.