My Husband Created a New Schedule for Me to ‘Become a Better Wife’ — I Taught Him a Good Lesson in Response
I was taken aback when Jake, my husband, handed me a schedule designed to help me “become a better wife.” Rather than getting upset, I decided to go along with it. Little did Jake know, a valuable lesson was on the way, one that would challenge his new-found perspective on marriage.
I’ve always been the steady one in our relationship. Jake, bless his heart, gets carried away with things—from the latest hobby to some life-changing YouTube video. But we were managing until Jake met Steve. Steve was the kind of guy who thought he knew everything, especially about relationships, even though he was perpetually single. He confidently dished out advice to his married coworkers, including Jake.
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At first, I didn’t pay much attention until Jake began repeating some unsettling things influenced by Steve.
“Steve says wives should manage the household,” or, “Steve believes women should always look their best for their husbands,” he’d say. I’d usually offer some sarcastic retort, but it really began to irritate me. Jake was changing.
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He would frown if I ordered takeout or ignore the growing laundry because I was too busy with my full-time job. It all came to a head one evening when Jake unveiled “The List.”
Sitting me down, he presented a paper titled “Lisa’s Weekly Routine for Becoming a Better Wife.” Shocked, I listened as he tried to explain.
“You’re a fantastic wife, Lisa,” he began, arrogance seeping into his voice, “but there’s always room for growth.”
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He expected me to rise at dawn to prepare a gourmet breakfast, hit the gym, and tackle chores—all before heading to my job. He wanted freshly prepared dinners and snacks for his social gatherings.
Everything about it was belittling and sexist. I gazed at him, wondering if he’d truly lost his way.
A man | Source: Pexels
“This will enhance our life,” he chirped. “Structure is key, as Steve says.”
“And structure will help me how?” I calmly questioned.
Perplexed by my reaction, Jake continued to explain as if he was offering me a new opportunity.
I fought the impulse to rip it up, instead opting to smile. “You’re absolutely right, Jake. I’ll start tomorrow.”
The relief on his face was immense as I placed the list on the fridge. What he didn’t know was that a surprise was waiting for him.
The next morning, I reflected on Jake’s timetable, noting its absurdity.
Opening my laptop, I drafted something educational. “Jake’s Plan for Becoming the Best Husband Ever.”
Want the best wife? Fine, but perfection costs.
Beginning with our imaginary lavish lifestyle, I penned the expenditures starting with the gym. “$1,200 for a personal trainer,” I gleefully noted.
Then food. Organic, all-natural, premium ingredients for Jake’s royal meals: “$700 per month for groceries.” And the cooking classes? They’re part of the perfection package.
The laughs couldn’t be contained imagining Jake’s reaction. But the real kicker was yet to come.
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If he expected me to adhere to his whimsical regimen full-time, the loss of my income would need coverage.
Calculating my pay, I added: “$75,000 per year to replace Lisa’s income for her role as a full-time assistant.”
My chuckles filled the room as I thought about the final condition.
For his gatherings, I’d suggested house extensions for a separate ‘man cave’ ensuring no interruptions to my outrageously organized life.
“$50,000 for a man cave,” completed the list. A logistic and financial wake-up call wrapped in humor.
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Printing it out, I set it where Jake would find it. That evening, he returned home in good spirits.
“Hey, what’s this?” he queried, spotting the paper immediately.
Feigning innocence, I replied, “Just a little plan for the perfect husband.”
Momentarily amused, Jake started reading. His expression stiffened as realization washed over him.
“What’s with the $1,200 for a trainer or $700 for groceries?” he exclaimed.
I leaned on the counter, serenely explaining that it was imperative to budget properly for all his high expectations.
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His confusion intensified as I clarified. “Of course, I’ll have to stop working to maintain this lifestyle, hence the salary replacement.”
Shocked, he stammered, realizing the magnitude of his folly.
“Lisa, I didn’t mean it this way,” he mumbled.
Calmly, I retorted, “Marriage is about respect, Jake, not projects or lists. If you try to ‘fix’ me again, you’ll be the one paying the price.”
