Woman Told Her Husband He’s Too Broke To Be Misogynistic After He Said He Wants A Traditional Wife

Some folks still prefer traditional gender roles at home, and that’s perfectly okay. The issue arises when those expectations are imposed on someone who doesn’t want to live that way.

Some women enjoy going to work, while others prefer being homemakers. Our upbringing and family dynamics often influence this, but everyone’s unique.

That’s why it’s crucial to have this conversation with your partner to ensure your ideas about family roles align. It wouldn’t be quite fair to expect a woman to be a homemaker if you’re not the sole breadwinner, right?

But what happens when a man from a traditional family marries a woman who embraces modern gender roles?

They found a compromise that works for both

A woman shared her story on Reddit explaining how she married a man from a traditional background, despite her own family being different. She wrote:

“My husband worked hard to challenge the values he grew up with. He more than pulled his weight at home, was an engaged and present father, and a genuine partner.”

She explained they had a nanny when the kids were small and a housekeeper for their home. When the housekeeper wasn’t available, everyone pitched in to clean up their own mess, with no complaints.

However, after her husband lost his job and their savings, they couldn’t afford their usual help. So, they split the workload equally. Every day, she handled breakfast and he prepared dinner. This worked well until his family visited.

A visit from the in-laws changed everything

Her in-laws never approved of their non-traditional family setup and made their feelings clear. But they crossed a line during their recent visit.

The woman returned home from work, tired, and found her husband hadn’t started dinner. When she asked him about it, he remained silent while his mother insisted cooking was her responsibility.

Understandably upset, she handled it calmly by ordering takeout for everyone. At the dinner table, her mother-in-law started criticizing her:

“My MIL kept saying what was wrong with me and why I was a failure. I asked my husband if he agreed. He said his mother had a point and that it wouldn’t hurt if I acted ‘more like a proper woman’ and ‘took better care of my home and children’. He said tradition was important and I shouldn’t think I was too good for how he was raised.”

Imagine hearing that from your husband! Instead of defending his wife, he agreed with his mother. It seemed like he was completely influenced by her.

Understandably, his wife was upset and responded:

“This is where I might be the jerk. I told him tradition doesn’t allow a man making 35k to support a family of five, and he was too broke to be so sexist. He looked hurt and started to cry. He left the table. I regret saying this in front of our children, but after working so hard and dealing with his parents, it was too much.”

She had a point. Her husband never had an issue with their lifestyle until his mother visited and changed his perspective.

Does it make sense to expect a woman to be a housewife when you can’t afford to live off one income?

Traditional families struggle with women as main breadwinners

Reddit users supported the woman, even if her response sounded harsh. Someone commented:

“Frankly, he needed to hear it! How could he expect more from you with all that you’re already doing? Does he think it’s realistic for you to just quit your job and become a homemaker?”

Standing up for yourself is important. No one wants to hurt their partner, but when they cross the line, they need to know it.

Often, we stay silent to keep the peace, but that doesn’t solve anything. If anything, it encourages more disrespect.

She regrets her words in front of their children, but their comments were more harmful. Stating that his income can’t support their family isn’t an insult, it’s reality.

Moreover, teaching children that a woman’s place is only in the home creates narrow-minded views. As one user wrote:

“So it was okay for him to humiliate you in front of your kids? Do you have a daughter who just saw her father allow his mother to belittle you and your contributions?”

Living in such an environment is tough for everyone, including children. Different opinions don’t have to be a problem if there’s mutual respect.

In-laws can be meddlesome, wanting a say in things that don’t concern them. So, set clear boundaries and don’t let anyone interfere in your marriage!