Alright, ladies, gather ’round, because we’ve got a story that’s either the most genius power move in modern marriage or a relationship-ending grenade, depending on how you look at it. We’re talking about a husband who wanted his wife to ditch her career and become a full-time housewife, and her response? A demand for half his company. Mic drop.
So, we have a couple, both 35, married for six years, with two kids and another on the way. The husband, clearly living his best “provider” fantasy, decides he wants his wife to stop working and become a housewife.
Now, for some women, this is the dream. For others, it’s a nightmare wrapped in a floral apron. Our protagonist here? Definitely leaning towards nightmare. She was “very disturbed” by the suggestion, which, honestly, is an understatement. Giving up your career, your financial independence, and your identity outside of “mom” is a huge deal.
But he pushed, explaining it would be “better for their family and children” since he could “afford very good living.” Classic.
After a few weeks of deep thought (and probably a lot of internal screaming), she came back to him with her counter-offer. She would agree to his housewife fantasy, but only if she got half of his company. Yes, you read that right. Half. His. Company.
Now, he was, understandably, “surprised.” Honey, you asked for a housewife, not a business partner! But she had her reasons, and they are solid gold. She explained that the longer she stays home, the harder it would be for her to re-enter the workforce with a “well paying job” if they ever divorced. Her “merits” would diminish while his would continue to grow, along with his company and his wealth.
So, her demand for half the company isn’t about being greedy; it’s about protecting herself and ensuring her financial security if the worst-case scenario (divorce) ever happens. She put it perfectly: if they never divorce, “which is the goal of all marriages,” then it wouldn’t matter. But if it ends, that 50% stake would be the “price” for her staying home and raising their children.
She even threw his own words back at him, reminding him that he wanted her home so he could be “less worried and stressed out” knowing their kids were with her instead of “strangers in daycare or nannies.” So, her staying home isn’t just for the kids; it’s a direct benefit to his peace of mind and, implicitly, his ability to focus on his growing company. She’s essentially asking for equitable compensation for her invaluable, unpaid labor.
But here’s where the story takes a wild turn: she told her friends, and they called her the ahole. Her best friend even got “very angry” and called her “disgusting.” Disgusting? For wanting financial parity and protection in a marriage where she’s being asked to make a massive career sacrifice? Are we living in the Dark Ages?
This isn’t disgusting; it’s smart. It’s strategic. It’s looking out for yourself when your partner is asking you to put all your eggs in his basket, a basket that could, let’s be real, get dropped. In a world where women are often financially penalized for taking on the lion’s share of childcare, her demand is a radical act of self-preservation.
It speaks volumes that her friends, presumably women, would react with such outrage. Are they worried about seeming “unfeminine” for asking for their worth? Or perhaps they’re uncomfortable with a woman demanding equitable partnership, even if it’s unconventional. Either way, this woman is not the ahole. She’s a visionary.