When my husband Keith told me he was going on vacation with his parents—without asking me—I was shocked. Our newborn, Lily, was just 12 weeks old, and I was exhausted from caring for her nonstop. His reasoning? “You don’t work.” That line stung more than any sleepless night. He truly thought maternity leave was a break.
I didn’t argue. I smiled, let him leave, and quietly packed up the baby. I canceled our bill payments, emptied the fridge, and went to my mom’s. Then I turned off my phone and enjoyed two days of rare peace. Meanwhile, Keith got a real taste of life without my “non-working” help.
When I turned my phone back on, the messages came fast: “Where are you?” “Why is the power off?” “I can’t find my suit!” I let him stew one more day before replying, “Figured I’d take a vacation too—since I don’t work.” His panic quickly turned into regret, then into apology.
When I returned, the house was a wreck and Keith looked like he hadn’t slept in days. He apologized sincerely and admitted he underestimated everything I do. I gave him a printed list of his new responsibilities. Since then, he’s stepped up—because sometimes, action teaches better than words.