On January 23, 2025, Fox News host Jesse Watters stirred up a social media frenzy during one of his hour-long news segments. Watters questioned why men would grocery shop with their wives, a remark that sparked debates online about the dynamics of modern relationships and the role shared activities play in strengthening marriages.
A clip of the segment went viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), featuring Watters reacting to a video captured by The New York Post showing former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, grocery shopping together.
“What kind of husband goes grocery shopping with his wife?” Watters asked, prompting an array of responses from viewers and social media users alike. The reactions ranged from amused disbelief to insightful comments about the value of shared experiences in marriage.
Social Media’s Take on the Comment
Watters’ remark quickly became a trending topic, drawing criticism and humor in equal measure. Many users questioned why such a mundane activity would even be controversial. Comments like “A normal one” and “My wonderful husband does” flooded the platform, showcasing that shared grocery shopping trips are a common practice for many couples.
Others took a more critical stance, with one commenter writing, “It’s so odd to openly declare on air that your marriage is devoid of happiness and connection, but you do you, Jesse.” Another questioned, “Does Jesse Watters sit in the car while his wife does the shopping?”
The debate highlighted a generational and cultural divide, with some viewers echoing a more traditional perspective, while others championed grocery shopping as a modern act of partnership and connection.
Grocery Shopping as a Couple: A Relationship Booster?
While Watters’ remark may have raised eyebrows, relationship experts suggest that grocery shopping together can actually be good for a marriage. In fact, it’s more than just a chore—it can be a bonding experience. Global matchmaker and CEO of Vows for Eternity, Anurahda Gupta, shared with Metro UK in 2023 that couples who grocery shop together often strengthen their relationship in unexpected ways.
According to Gupta, grocery shopping can feel like a date when approached with the right mindset. By treating it as an opportunity to spend quality time together, couples can turn what may seem like a mundane errand into an enjoyable and even romantic activity.
How Grocery Shopping Strengthens Bonds
Gupta elaborated that activities like grocery shopping allow couples to practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Here are a few reasons why grocery shopping as a couple could benefit your relationship:
- Quality Time: Grocery shopping provides an opportunity to connect in a low-stress environment. Holding hands while strolling through the aisles or discussing meal plans can create moments of intimacy.
- Teamwork: Tackling a shopping list together helps couples build a sense of shared responsibility. From choosing the week’s menu to managing the household budget, teamwork is a key element.
- Conflict Resolution: Disagreements over which brand of pasta to buy or what to make for dinner may arise, but these moments offer opportunities to practice effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Creativity and Fun: Couples can add playful elements to grocery shopping. Gupta suggests activities like playing rock-paper-scissors to decide who picks the appetizer, main course, and dessert, turning the outing into a lighthearted experience.
The Psychology Behind Shared Activities
Research has consistently shown that engaging in shared activities fosters emotional intimacy between partners. Grocery shopping is no exception. When couples collaborate on daily tasks, they reinforce their bond and create memories that contribute to a stronger relationship.
Additionally, shared chores and responsibilities have been linked to greater marital satisfaction. Studies published in the Journal of Family Psychology reveal that couples who divide household tasks fairly—including grocery shopping—report higher levels of happiness and connection in their marriages.
Modern Perspectives vs. Traditional Values
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Watters’ comment may stem from a more traditional perspective, where specific roles within a household are clearly defined. Historically, grocery shopping was often seen as a task for women, while men took on other responsibilities. However, modern relationships have shifted toward a more egalitarian model, where both partners share household duties.
Many couples today see activities like grocery shopping as an opportunity to work together, regardless of traditional gender roles. Social media reactions highlighted how this shift has become normalized, with one commenter noting, “My parents always did grocery shopping together,” underscoring that collaboration has long been valued by some families.
Celebrities Weigh In
The debate didn’t stop with everyday social media users. Even celebrities joined the conversation. Chrissy Teigen shared the clip on her Instagram story, adding her own humorous commentary: “We are in bizarro world where anyone can just say anything weird and half the country is like hell yeah.” Her reaction mirrored the sentiments of many who found Watters’ question outdated and irrelevant.
Tips for Making Grocery Shopping a Couple’s Activity
If you’re looking to transform grocery shopping into a bonding experience, here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Plan Ahead: Create a shopping list together and discuss your meal plans for the week. This can be a fun way to share ideas and align your preferences.
- Divide and Conquer: Split the shopping list to cover more ground and save time. This approach can also teach cooperation and trust.
- Make It Fun: Add an element of playfulness. For instance, challenge each other to find the best deals or pick out a surprise treat for one another.
- Use It as a Learning Opportunity: Grocery shopping together allows partners to understand each other’s tastes and habits better, strengthening their connection.
- Focus on Communication: Use this time to catch up on each other’s day or discuss weekend plans. Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be just about the task at hand.
Conclusion
Jesse Watters’ comment about husbands grocery shopping with their wives may have sparked controversy, but it’s also opened up a broader conversation about shared activities in relationships. While some may view grocery shopping as a chore, others see it as an opportunity to strengthen their bond, practice teamwork, and create lasting memories.
Relationship experts agree that shared experiences, even as simple as grocery shopping, play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and happy marriage. Whether you’re discussing dinner plans, picking out produce, or laughing over a silly disagreement about snacks, these moments add depth and connection to your partnership.
So, the next time you’re headed to the grocery store, consider bringing your spouse along. It might just be the unexpected date you never knew you needed.
