I always returned home from my twelve-hour workday to my husband’s complaints about the messy house. My patience finally gave out, though, and I made the decision to teach him a lesson he would never forget.
After working another shift, I returned home after twelve hours of standing, and my only dream was to collapse onto the bed and at least somewhat recuperate. But once more, I received reprimands rather than sympathy and a kind word.
The youngsters have strewn everything, the house has become a pigsty, dinner is over, and you’re just now arriving. Who will handle all of this? While you’re at work, why should I have to live in this mess?
The final straw was these remarks. I quietly put up with his displeasure, woke up at five every day to prepare meals, tidy the house, and manage the household—all at the expense of my own sleep and well-being.
However, the grievances persisted. Upon returning from a challenging day, I consistently observed the same scene: a pile of filthy dishes, strewn toys, unclean laundry, and exhausted kids.
And the last thing that made me angry was what he said to me today: “I don’t care about your job.” a job that allows us to live debt-free and pay the mortgage, while he makes ends meet with sporadic orders.
I could feel my anger building as I stood in the center of this ruin. Then I did something that he most definitely did not anticipate. What completely shocked him and flipped our conversation on its head.
Haha!He will remember that lesson for the rest of his life.
I quietly pulled out a piece of paper and started writing. Everything I do every day, from five o’clock in the morning until late at night, is listed line by line.
Work, bills, kids, cooking, cleaning, etc. “Now it’s your turn,” I remarked as I handed it to him after I was done. Jot down everything you do.
He grabbed the pen, then stopped. Not a movement, not a word. As though the air had thickened, there was a pause in the room. Any excuses were overshadowed by his silence.
“I will no longer bear this burden alone,” I murmured, looking directly into his eyes. I don’t need someone like that at my side if you can’t be considerate or respectful, if you only care about yourself.
I don’t have to sacrifice myself for a family that doesn’t appreciate me for who I am.
He had nothing to say this time. And I felt the strength in my own voice for the first time in a long time
