When my husband, Jake, handed me a schedule titled “Lisa’s Weekly Routine for Becoming a Better Wife,” I was stunned. Instead of confronting him, I played along, ready to teach him a lesson.

Jake’s sudden need to “improve” me as a wife began after his new friend Steve—a perpetually single guy brimming with misguided advice—insisted that women should focus more on keeping the household running smoothly. Jake, unfortunately, took this to heart, adding condescending comments and eventually creating a list detailing a rigid routine for me, complete with early mornings and a slew of household tasks.

Seeing the list, I held back my irritation and decided to respond with humor and a touch of sarcasm. I made a “Jake’s Plan for Becoming the Best Husband Ever,” adding up the costs: gym memberships, gourmet grocery budgets, and an income replacement for my job since I’d be too busy with this perfect wife routine.

When Jake saw the expenses, his confidence evaporated, and he quickly realized his error. I made it clear that marriage requires mutual respect, not arbitrary improvements or one-sided demands. From then on, he understood that we’re partners—not projects.