My Husband Created a New Schedule for Me to ‘Become a Better Wife’ — I Taught Him a Good Lesson in Response

When my husband, Jake, handed me a schedule to “help me become a better wife,” I was shocked. Instead of arguing, I played along, planning my own lesson for him. Jake had been influenced by his friend Steve, who had strong opinions on how wives should behave. His list demanded I wake up at 5 a.m., cook, clean, and host his friends, all while working full-time.

I responded by creating a “Jake’s Plan for Becoming the Best Husband Ever,” outlining the costs and time commitments his suggestions would require, including a personal trainer, organic groceries, and quitting my job. When Jake saw the absurdity of it all, he realized his mistake, and we tore up both lists, getting back to being equals in our marriage.