My husband comes from a traditional family stay-at-home mom, breadwinning dad. I was raised differently. My mother drilled it into me early: never depend on a man. Thankfully, my husband unlearned a lot of what he saw at home and shares responsibilities with me. But he still seeks his parents’ approval way too much.

When my in-laws came to stay for two weeks, our usual routine—shared chores, equal parenting—didn’t sit well with them. They couldn’t hide their disapproval: they hated that I worked, that I didn’t see being a wife and mother as my sole purpose, and that their son did housework.

One evening, I came home tired and hungry, expecting dinner as usual—only to find nothing ready. My husband wouldn’t meet my eyes. His mother said I needed to “do my duty” and cook. He stayed silent. I ordered takeout for me and the kids. At dinner, my MIL kept criticizing me. When I asked my husband to speak up, he agreed with her—telling me to act more like a “proper woman” and respect tradition.

I snapped. I told him tradition doesn’t pay bills, and a man earning 35k can’t afford a housewife. He left the table hurt. I regret saying it in front of our kids—but I was done carrying the emotional load alone. Standing up for myself wasn’t easy, but necessary. I won’t be shamed for wanting a career and a balanced partnership—especially not in my own home.