Despite the Birling’s celebrating Sheila and Gerald’s engagement are there any hints that perhaps all is not well in their relationship?

During the celebration, Gerald notes how long he has been trying to become one of the family, something that amuses Sheila's family, but seems to provoke her. Sheila counters that there was a time Gerald stayed away..... Gerald blames his former absence of work. Mrs. Birling chimes in that Sheila will have to get used to her husband being a hard worker..... Sheila warns her soon to be husband to "be careful". Something isn't quite right in this scenario.

Even in early stages of the play it's evident that Gerald and Mrs Birling are both very concealing, even before they attempt to claim no involvment with Eva Smith. Sheila proves that she is amending and strives to seek genuineness and truth, by questioning Gerald of the times he was away, he is quick to answer, immediately blaming business. Gerald is very dismissve of Sheila- as any male would be during their patriarchal society, and believes she should not worry and intertwine with male activity- also expecting her to abide unquestionably. Despite that Mrs Birling is unaware of Geralds affair, she is rather quick to participate in the couples inquisition. Its noticable that Mrs Birling is abiding and fufills her role as a woman and she mentions to Sheila that she will "have to get used to her husband being a hard worker", intending that Sheila should listen to her and completely comprehend to gerald; whilst making it clear that women will always will be overruled and can not disunite from males power. Prior to todays society and the era after the war, there is a feminist uprising which gained women the right to vote and greatened democracy/equality, completely abolishing the male hierarchy. Conclusively we can see that there is a problem in the relationship as the couple are not on the same terms. Gerald is once again, very concealing and shows no betterment towards the end of the play. Diversely Sheila completely renovates her attitude towards others and shows emapthy and fault in her actions. If one is not willing to change (preferably Gerald) the relationship could only go downhill from there, ultimately coming to an end.The two contrasting attitudes would only rot away the charisma between the couple.

I am aware this became extremely excessive and I got a bit carried away. I could've gone on a lot further but it was starting to get off topic, but i hope this helped with your question and many aspects revolving around the play.