Has your partner been acting strange, like they’ve been replaced? My husband, Jason, was constantly on his phone and avoiding me. Then he demanded I bleach my hair. After some digging, I found he was following advice from a chat titled “How to Dominate Women.” The chat suggested controlling tactics like demanding appearance changes to assert authority.

I decided to play along. I transformed into a blonde bombshell and quit my job, claiming I’d be the submissive wife he wanted. Jason panicked, realizing the financial implications. I tilted my head, widening my eyes in mock innocence. “But you wanted me to change, Jason. To be submissive, to listen to you more. I thought this is what a supportive wife does, isn’t it? Focuses on her husband’s needs and… well, his financial well-being?”

Jason squirmed, his discomfort was music to my ears. Then, I revealed the wig, exposing my ruse. He apologized, promising to delete the chat and respect me as an equal. “This, Jason,” I added, my voice leaving no room for argument, “is your last chance. Treat me with respect, as an equal partner, or there won’t be another.”

Dinner that night was tense, but hopeful. We agreed to delete the chat together, seeing it as couples therapy. Jason has a lot to prove, but the old, compliant Claire is gone. In her place stands a woman who won’t be bullied.

For anyone dealing with a controlling partner, remember: your voice and opinion matter. Maybe we could salvage this.

And in the meantime, I’m keeping the wig. You never know when a dramatic bleach-blonde breakdown might come in handy!