My Husband Created a Daily Cooking Schedule and Expects Me to Prepare Every Meal Listed

Sarah had always believed her marriage was stable until the day she encountered a detailed gourmet menu pinned to the refrigerator, instructing her to prepare luxurious meals despite her exhausting work schedule. This discovery unveiled significant underlying issues in their relationship, sparking an intense dispute that left them both shaken.

Throughout her career as a project manager in a dynamic tech company, Sarah had excelled, frequently working overtime and even bringing work home over the weekends. In spite of her hectic professional life, she managed to maintain the household, taking care of chores, grocery shopping, and hosting occasional dinner gatherings with friends.

Her husband Tom, on the other hand, had a consistent job as an accountant with standard hours and weekends free. Though he often spoke of his exhaustion and stress, Sarah, who cherished Tom deeply and was devoted to their union, willingly shouldered a heavier load at home.

However, the balance tipped too far on the day Sarah returned from another demanding day at work to find a professionally typed menu affixed to the refrigerator with a magnet. Accompanying this menu was a note from Tom stating, “Cook it today.”

The menu listed intricate dishes like Beef Wellington, Coq au Vin, and Lobster Thermidor. Astonished and overwhelmed, Sarah, who already worked longer hours than Tom, could not fathom why he expected her to come home and prepare these complex recipes.

Turning her initial outrage into resolute determination, she texted Tom: “What’s with this menu on the fridge? Are you serious about me cooking all this?”

Tom’s response was prompt, albeit casual: “Yeah, I thought it would be nice to have some structure and variety in our meals. You’re such a good cook, and I think you can handle it. Let me know how it goes!”

Unable to believe his indifferent attitude, Sarah decided it was crucial to address this when he arrived home.

Upon his return, Tom greeted her with a cheerful tune. “Hey, Sarah,” he called out lightly.

“Hey,” she replied, her tone sharp. “We need to talk.”

Confused, Tom asked, “About what?”

Pointing towards the refrigerator, Sarah raised her voice, “About this menu.”

Looking puzzled, Tom examined the menu and then turned back to her, still not grasping the issue. “What about it?”

“You expect me to cook all these meals after working all day?” Sarah’s voice grew louder. “I barely have time to breathe, Tom.”

He shrugged, still not seeing the problem. “I just thought it would be nice to have some variety. Your cooking is always great, and I thought you’d enjoy it.”

“Enjoy it?” Sarah repeated incredulously. “I barely have time to eat, let alone cook gourmet meals.”

Tom frowned slightly, “I didn’t think it would be such a big deal.”

“It is,” Sarah retorted sharply. “I’m exhausted, Tom. I need help, not more work.”

Surprised by her intensity, Tom responded, “I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t realize.”

Shaking her head, she countered, “No, you didn’t. And that’s the problem.”

Tom’s confusion turned to defensiveness. “So now it’s my fault you’re overworked? I just wanted to eat better, Sarah. Is that so wrong?”

Her frustration reached a boiling point. “Wanting to eat better isn’t wrong, but expecting me to do everything is! I’m not a machine, Tom.”

“I never said you were,” he argued, his tone rising. “But you’re acting like I do nothing around here. I work too, you know.”

“Yes, you work regular hours and come home to relax. I work late, bring projects home, and still manage the house. How is that fair?” Sarah challenged.

Throwing up his hands, Tom exclaimed, “So what do you want me to do, Sarah? Quit my job? Stay home and cook all day?”

Glaring at him, Sarah clarified, “I want you to recognize how much I do and pitch in more. It’s not about quitting your job; it’s about sharing responsibilities.”

“Responsibilities?” Tom scoffed. “I handle the bills, the yard work, the car maintenance. You think that’s nothing?”

“I’m not saying it’s nothing,” Sarah replied, her anger palpable. “But it’s not everything. You don’t see the daily grind I go through. Cooking gourmet meals is just another unrealistic expectation.”

Reddening, Tom conceded, “Maybe I don’t see everything. But you don’t appreciate what I do either. You make it sound like I’m useless.”

Trying to calm her trembling hands, Sarah insisted, “I’m asking for partnership, Tom. Not for you to feel useless. Why is that so hard for you to understand?”

“Maybe because you’re always on edge,” he retorted. “It’s like nothing I do is good enough for you.”

“You’re not listening!” Sarah shouted. “I’m drowning here, and all you see is your perfect little menu. It’s not about the food; it’s about feeling supported.”

Tom abruptly stood, the chair scraping against the floor loudly. “I’m done with this conversation. I need some air.”

As he left, Sarah knew this was far from resolved. Tom needed to understand the extent of her daily efforts to maintain their lifestyle, and she needed to find a way to communicate this without further straining their relationship.

In the following days, Sarah adhered to her usual routine but devised a plan. She made several calls and set things up meticulously. On Friday, as Tom entered the house, he was greeted by the scent of a perfectly executed Beef Wellington.

Impressed, Tom exclaimed as he sat down, “Wow, this looks amazing!”

Sarah masked her true feelings with a polite smile. “I’m glad you like it. I thought I’d start with your favorite.”

As Tom savored the meal, he commented, “This is fantastic. You know, if I didn’t make you do it, you’d never discover this talent. But, if I’m being honest, the beef could be a little more tender.”

At that moment, a chef in full uniform stepped out from the kitchen. “Is there something wrong with the beef, sir?” he inquired, his demeanor professional yet assertive.

Tom, caught off guard, stuttered, “Who are you?”

Relishing the unfolding scenario, Sarah explained, “This is Chef Martin. I hired him to cook this dinner. And I paid him with the money you were saving for your new car.”

Tom’s complexion shifted through various shades as he struggled for words. “You…you did what?”

“I work long hours, manage the household, and now you expect me to cook gourmet meals every day? I thought you could use a lesson in what it takes to put together a meal like this. Chef Martin is an expert, and even he can’t make the beef perfect every time. Maybe now you’ll appreciate what I do a bit more.”

Chef Martin nodded in agreement. “It’s not easy, sir. Cooking these dishes takes a lot of skill and time.”

Deflated, Tom admitted, “I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t realize how unfair I was being. I thought it would be nice to have these meals, but I didn’t consider how much work it would be for you.”

Sarah’s expression softened slightly. “I’m glad you understand. Next time, let’s make a meal plan together that we both can manage.”

With a newfound mutual respect, they finished their meal. From that day forward, Tom refrained from demanding elaborate menus, and they took turns preparing simple yet delicious meals together, fostering a true partnership in their domestic life.