When my husband, Jake, presented me with a schedule he had created to help me become a “better wife,” I was taken aback. The list included tasks such as waking up at 5 am to prepare gourmet meals, going to the gym, and cleaning the house. But what really caught my attention was the condescending tone and the assumption that I needed to be “improved.”
I decided to play along, pretending to be on board with the plan. But little did Jake know, I had a plan of my own. I created a counter-list, detailing the costs associated with his demands. I included expenses such as a personal trainer, gourmet groceries, and even a “man cave” for him and his friends.
As Jake read through the list, his expression changed from smugness to shock. He realized that his demands were not only unrealistic but also expensive. The final blow came when he saw the estimated cost of me quitting my job to become his full-time personal assistant, maid, and chef.
Jake’s face turned white as he stared at the list, finally understanding the absurdity of his demands. He stuttered an apology, realizing too late that he had made a grave mistake. I made it clear to him that marriage is not about schedules or lists, but about respect. And if he ever tried to “fix” me again, he would pay a much higher price.
