My Husband Made a Menu and Demands That I Cook Him Meals from It Every Day

Sarah thought her marriage was rock solid until the night she discovered a gourmet menu on the fridge, demanding she cook extravagant meals after exhausting days at work. The ensuing confrontation revealed deep cracks in their relationship, sparking a heated argument that left them both reeling.

I had always prided myself on my work ethic. As a successful project manager at a bustling tech firm, I often worked late hours and brought home projects on weekends. Despite my demanding job, I still managed to keep the household running smoothly. I juggled chores, groceries, and occasional dinners with friends.

Happy working couple | Source: Pexels

Happy working couple | Source: Pexels

Tom, my husband, had a stable job as an accountant. He worked regular hours, rarely had to stay late, and had weekends off. Yet, he often complained about being tired and stressed. I didnโ€™t mind taking on a bit more; I loved Tom and was committed to our marriage.

But that day, it went too far. I returned home after another grueling day at the office, my shoulders aching from the weight of my responsibilities.

As I dropped my bag by the door, I noticed something unusual on the fridge. A neatly typed menu was stuck to it with a magnet, and a handwritten note in Tomโ€™s familiar scrawl read, โ€œCook it today.โ€

Man writing a note on a fridge | Source: Pexels

Man writing a note on a fridge | Source: Pexels

I glanced at the menu and felt my blood pressure rise. It listed gourmet meals, each more complex than the last: Beef Wellington, Coq au Vin, Lobster Thermidor. I couldnโ€™t believe my eyes. I worked longer hours than Tom, yet he was expecting me to come home and whip up these elaborate dishes.

My initial anger simmered down to a cold determination. I picked up my phone and texted Tom.

Woman texts on her phone | Source: Pexels

Woman texts on her phone | Source: Pexels

โ€œWhatโ€™s with this menu on the fridge? Are you serious about me cooking all this?โ€

Tomโ€™s reply came quickly. โ€œYeah, I thought it would be nice to have some structure and variety in our meals. Youโ€™re such a good cook, and I think you can handle it. Let me know how it goes!โ€

I couldnโ€™t believe his nonchalant response. If Tom wanted gourmet meals, he would get them, but not the way he expected.

Man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

Man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. This was too much. I decided to confront him when he got home.

An hour later, Tom walked in, whistling a tune. โ€œHey, Sarah,โ€ he called out cheerfully.

โ€œHey,โ€ I replied, my voice icy. โ€œWe need to talk.โ€

He looked at me, puzzled. โ€œAbout what?โ€

Woman scolds a man | Source: Pexels

Woman scolds a man | Source: Pexels

I pointed to the fridge. โ€œAbout this menu.โ€

Tom glanced at it and then back at me, still looking confused. โ€œWhat about it?โ€

โ€œYou expect me to cook all these meals after working all day?โ€ I asked, my voice rising. โ€œI barely have time to breathe, Tom.โ€

He shrugged. โ€œI just thought it would be nice to have some variety. Your cooking is always on top, and I thought youโ€™d enjoy it.โ€

Man with a laptop in his apartment | Source: Pexels

Man with a laptop in his apartment | Source: Pexels

โ€œEnjoy it?โ€ I echoed, incredulous. โ€œI barely have time to eat, let alone cook gourmet meals.โ€

Tom frowned. โ€œI didnโ€™t think it would be such a big deal.โ€

โ€œWell, it is,โ€ I snapped. โ€œIโ€™m exhausted, Tom. I need help, not more work.โ€

He looked taken aback. โ€œIโ€™m sorry, Sarah. I didnโ€™t realize.โ€

I shook my head. โ€œNo, you didnโ€™t. And thatโ€™s the problem.โ€

Couple argues during breakfast | Source: Pexels

Couple argues during breakfast | Source: Pexels

Tomโ€™s frown deepened. โ€œSo now itโ€™s my fault youโ€™re overworked? I just wanted to eat better, Sarah. Is that so wrong?โ€

I felt my frustration boiling over. โ€œWanting to eat better isnโ€™t wrong, but expecting me to do everything is! Iโ€™m not a machine, Tom.โ€

โ€œI never said you were,โ€ he replied, his voice rising. โ€œBut youโ€™re acting like I do nothing around here. I work too, you know.โ€

Couple arguing | Source: Pexels

Couple arguing | Source: Pexels

โ€œYeah, you work regular hours and come home to relax. I work late, bring projects home, and still manage the house. How is that fair?โ€

Tom threw his hands up in exasperation. โ€œSo what do you want me to do, Sarah? Quit my job? Stay home and cook all day?โ€

Angry shouting man | Source: Pexels

Angry shouting man | Source: Pexels

I glared at him. โ€œI want you to recognize how much I do and pitch in more. Itโ€™s not about quitting your job; itโ€™s about sharing responsibilities.โ€

โ€œResponsibilities?โ€ Tom scoffed. โ€œI handle the bills, the yard work, the car maintenance. You think thatโ€™s nothing?โ€

Couple arguing in the corridor | Source: Pexels

Couple arguing in the corridor | Source: Pexels

โ€œIโ€™m not saying itโ€™s nothing,โ€ I replied, my voice shaking with anger. โ€œBut itโ€™s not everything. You donโ€™t see the daily grind I go through. Cooking gourmet meals is just another unrealistic expectation.โ€

Tomโ€™s face reddened. โ€œFine, maybe I donโ€™t see everything. But you donโ€™t appreciate what I do either. You make it sound like Iโ€™m useless.โ€

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my voice steady. โ€œIโ€™m asking for partnership, Tom. Not for you to feel useless. Why is that so hard for you to understand?โ€

Woman clenches her head | Source: Pexels

Woman clenches her head | Source: Pexels

โ€œMaybe because youโ€™re always on edge,โ€ he shot back. โ€œItโ€™s like nothing I do is good enough for you.โ€

โ€œBecause youโ€™re not listening!โ€ I shouted. โ€œIโ€™m drowning here, and all you see is your perfect little menu. Itโ€™s not about the food; itโ€™s about feeling supported.โ€

Tom stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. โ€œIโ€™m done with this conversation. I need some air.โ€

Frustrated woman | Source: Pexels

Frustrated woman | Source: Pexels

We stood there for a moment, but I knew this conversation wasnโ€™t over. Tom had a lot to learn about what it took to keep our lives running smoothly. And I had to figure out how to make him understand without losing my mind in the process.

This was just the beginning.

The next few days, I went about my usual routine, but with a new plan in mind. I made a few calls and arranged everything perfectly. When Friday came, Tom walked through the door to the delicious aroma of a perfectly cooked Beef Wellington.

Beef Wellington | Source: Pexels

Beef Wellington | Source: Pexels

โ€œWow, this looks amazing!โ€ Tom exclaimed as he sat down at the table.

I smiled sweetly, hiding my true intentions. โ€œIโ€™m glad you like it. I thought Iโ€™d start with your favorite.โ€

Tom took a bite and sighed contentedly. โ€œThis is fantastic. You know, if I didnโ€™t make you do it, youโ€™d never discover this talent. But, if Iโ€™m being honest, the beef could be a little more tender.โ€

Content man eating | Source: Pexels

Content man eating | Source: Pexels

At that moment, a man in a chefโ€™s uniform emerged from the kitchen. โ€œIs there something wrong with the beef, sir?โ€ he asked, his tone polite but firm.

Tomโ€™s fork froze halfway to his mouth. โ€œWho are you?โ€ he stammered.

I leaned back, enjoying the scene. โ€œThis is Chef Martin. I hired him to cook this dinner. And I paid him with the money you were saving for your new car.โ€

The chef | Source: Pexels

The chef | Source: Pexels

Tomโ€™s face turned several shades of red as he struggled to find words. โ€œYouโ€ฆyou did what?โ€

โ€œI 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 canโ€™t make the beef perfect every time. Maybe now youโ€™ll appreciate what I do a bit more.โ€

Chef presents his work | Source: Pexels

Chef presents his work | Source: Pexels

Chef Martin smiled and nodded. โ€œItโ€™s not easy, sir. Cooking these dishes takes a lot of skill and time.โ€

Tom sat back, his arrogance deflated. โ€œIโ€™m sorry, Sarah. I didnโ€™t realize how unfair I was being. I thought it would be nice to have these meals, but I didnโ€™t consider how much work it would be for you.โ€

My expression softened slightly. โ€œIโ€™m glad you understand. Next time, letโ€™s make a meal plan together that we both can manage.โ€

Happy couple on a rooftop | Source: Pexels

Happy couple on a rooftop | Source: Pexels

They finished their meal with a newfound respect for each other. From that day forward, Tom never made another demanding menu, and they both took turns cooking, creating simple but delicious meals together.


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