Sarah, a mother of four and a busy real estate agent, struggled with balancing work and household chores. Despite working long hours, she often came home to a cluttered house with her husband Mark and their kids neglecting their responsibilities. “Every day I come home to the same mess. What do you even do all day?” she once confronted Mark, who claimed he was also tired from his job at the shipyard.

Sarah had implemented a chore system for the family, but since their youngest, Mia, was born, participation had waned. Frustrated, Sarah resorted to measures like cutting off the internet and canceling family trips to motivate them, but the efforts yielded short-lived results.

One day, after another exhausting day, Sarah returned home to a familiar chaotic scene. She packed a bag, took Mia, and went to Applebee’s, telling Mark, “Have at it.” Mark called, apologizing and promising to improve, but Sarah remained firm. “I’m not letting you off the hook this time,” she said.

When Sarah returned, the family had managed a simple dinner, and she made it clear this would be the new normal if chores were neglected. “I needed to show you all that I’m serious,” she told them. Mark agreed to try harder, promising they would work together to keep their home in order.