I was stunned when my husband, Jake, handed me a schedule titled “Lisa’s Weekly Routine for Becoming a Better Wife.” Instead of blowing up, I played along, determined to teach him a lesson.
Jake had fallen under the spell of Steve, a perpetually single colleague who believed women should cater to their husbands. Slowly, Jake began parroting Steve’s sexist ideas, culminating in The List. It outlined a ridiculous daily routine for me—5 a.m. breakfasts, gym sessions, endless chores, and hosting his friends—on top of my full-time job.
I was furious but stayed calm. “You’re right, Jake,” I said sweetly. “I’ll start tomorrow.”
The next day, I crafted my own list: “Jake’s Plan for Becoming the Best Husband Ever.” It included costly gym memberships, gourmet groceries, a $75,000 salary to replace my income, and even a $50,000 man cave. When Jake read it, his smugness evaporated.
“$75,000? You’re quitting your job?!” he stammered.
“How else can I follow your plan?” I replied, calm but firm. Realizing how absurd and demeaning his demands were, Jake apologized. Together, we tore up the lists, laughing at the absurdity.
Marriage isn’t about fixing each other—it’s about respect and teamwork.
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