The Neck that Turns the Head

Growing up, my aunt Patricia (God Bless Her) always told me the husband was the head of the family. But the wife was the neck that turns the head.
If this is true, isn't it just sad for everyone? If you happen to be the "head" of the family, it's a bit degrading to say you need someone to turn you in the right direction. What power does the head of the family really have if you need someone else to show you which way to go.
And if you are the neck, well then you just don't have the brains to think for yourself do you?
I'm all about working together in a relationship. In fact, that is the only way to function properly. But if you are lacking the brains to think for yourself, or you need someone else to direct you through your life, well then you are kind of screwed.
Why isn't it possible to have both your neck and head in tact, on your own body, by yourself?