Marriage should be about mutual growth, not one partner dictating terms. Unfortunately, my husband Jake needed a dramatic reminder of this truth. It began when he started quoting his single friend Steve’s relationship theories, culminating in a printed schedule titled “How to Be a Better Wife.”
The document was staggering in its sexism and cluelessness. It demanded I abandon sleep, personal time, and career ambitions to become a 1950s-style homemaker. My initial rage gave way to determination – if Jake wanted to play this game, I’d raise the stakes.
My response was a masterclass in malicious compliance. I calculated the exact costs of his fantasy: personal trainers, organic groceries, household staff, and lost wages. The total would have bankrupted us. When presented with cold, hard numbers, Jake’s smug confidence evaporated.
“That’s not what I meant,” he backpedaled, suddenly aware of how his “helpful suggestions” sounded. Our confrontation became a breakthrough, forcing Jake to confront how Steve’s toxic masculinity had influenced him. We emerged stronger, with Jake promising to think critically before adopting anyone’s relationship advice again.
