When my husband, Ethan, came home one Sunday, his serious expression immediately set me on edge. He told me that he and his mother had decided I should quit my job and become her personal housekeeper. At first, I thought it was a joke, but Ethan was serious. He believed my career didn’t matter, and I should focus on household duties instead.
Ethan had always been influenced by his mother, Diane, who frequently criticized my career and life choices. This time, however, their demand went too far. They insisted I quit my job because it “took up too much time” and my value should be in taking care of the home.
I decided to play along. The next day, I told my boss I was taking an extended leave and began my role as Diane’s full-time maid. Soon, the luxury they were used to—spa treatments, organic groceries, and shopping—disappeared. Without my income, they began to feel the consequences.
A month later, after watching their discomfort grow, I told Ethan I missed working and would be returning to my job. But I also added, “I’ll be filing for divorce.” The look on their faces was priceless.
I left Ethan, realizing I could no longer let his mother control our lives.
