When my husband, Jake, handed me a schedule titled “Lisa’s Weekly Routine for Becoming a Better Wife,” I was shocked. Jake had been influenced by his new friend Steve, a perpetually single man who gave questionable relationship advice. Steve believed women should manage the household and look good for their husbands. Jake, unfortunately, bought into it.
When Jake presented the schedule, filled with tasks like waking up at 5 a.m. for a gym session and cooking elaborate meals, I was livid. But instead of confronting him, I played along. I created my own list for Jake: “Jake’s Plan for Becoming the Best Husband Ever,” filled with expensive and impossible demands.
When Jake saw the costs and logistics, reality hit him. He realized how absurd his expectations were and apologized. We tore up the lists and laughed together, finally understanding that marriage is about respect and equality, not unrealistic demands.
