I’ve always been the level-headed one in our marriage, while Jake, bless him, often got swept up in whims. Things were stable until he met Steve—a perpetually single guy who dispensed relationship advice with overconfidence. Jake, smitten with Steve’s certainty, started making noxious comments like, “Steve says relationships work best when the wife takes charge,” and “Steve thinks women should always look good for their husbands.”

Then, one night, Jake came home with a piece of paper labeled “Lisa’s Weekly Routine for Becoming a Better Wife.” It detailed a schedule where I was to wake up at 5 a.m., hit the gym, manage all household chores, and cook elaborate meals—all while juggling my full-time job.

I was furious but decided to respond differently. I created my own list titled “Jake’s Plan for Becoming the Best Husband Ever.” It included all the items from his list but with inflated costs: $1,200 for a personal trainer, $700 for groceries, and $75,000 to replace my salary since I’d need to quit my job to follow his plan. I even added $50,000 for a “man cave” for his friends.

A frowning woman studying a piece of paper | Source: Shutterstock

When Jake saw the list, his face went from amused to shocked as he realized the absurdity of his demands. “$75,000 a year? You’re quitting your job?” he exclaimed.

I calmly explained, “How else am I supposed to follow your plan? I can’t work and be the perfect wife, right?”

Realization dawned on him, and he apologized, acknowledging that Steve’s advice was ridiculous. “I got carried away,” he admitted.

We tore up the list together. It was a stark reminder that marriage isn’t about fixing each other; it’s about respecting and supporting each other. For the first time in weeks, we felt like we were back on the same team.