In this story, Lisa’s husband, Jake, creates a detailed schedule and budget for her to follow in an attempt to “improve” her as a wife, expecting her to wake up early, go to the gym, cook gourmet meals, and take on various domestic responsibilities. He even suggests she quit her job to fully dedicate herself to this plan, leading to a budget of $75,000 a year. Lisa responds by humorously but pointedly creating her own budget and schedule, listing the costs associated with his demands, including personal training and groceries. She confronts him, challenging his view of marriage as a project to be “fixed” and reminding him that respect, not rigid expectations, is the foundation of a healthy partnership. The confrontation leaves Jake speechless, realizing the absurdity of his approach.
