When Jake handed me a schedule titled “Lisa’s Weekly Routine for Becoming a Better Wife,” I couldn’t believe my eyes. Influenced by his single friend Steve, who fancied himself a relationship guru, Jake had created a list detailing how I could “improve” as a wife. It was a sexist and ridiculous schedule that included waking up at 5 a.m. to make breakfast, hitting the gym, and handling all the chores before work.

Instead of exploding, I smiled and decided to play along. The next day, I created my own list: “Jake’s Plan for Becoming the Best Husband Ever.” I itemized costs for the personal trainer, organic groceries, and even suggested quitting my job to meet his absurd expectations. I added a note about needing $75,000 annually to replace my salary and $50,000 for a “man cave” so his friends wouldn’t disrupt my new routine.

When Jake saw the list, his grin faded. As he realized the absurdity of his demands, he apologized, admitting he had been foolish to listen to Steve. We ripped up both lists together, agreeing that marriage isn’t about one partner “improving” the other but growing together as equals.