My husband turned my menopause into a running joke — at home, with friends, and even in public. But when he invited his boss over for a high-stakes dinner, he had no idea the evening would become a turning point — not just for his career, but for our entire marriage.My name is Irene. I am 52 years old, and for most of my adult life, I have been married to Rick.For 27 years, we’ve shared space, bills, and slowly shrinking dignity.Rick, my husband, is a salesman.He’charming to outsiders, full of punchlines and pats on the back.

Or more specifically, my menopause.Don’t get me wrong, being menopausal didn’t mean I expected pity or special treatment.But I also didn’t expect my own husband to turn it into a punchline.

It started innocently enough as “jokes,” as he called them.A smirk when I opened the freezer and leaned into the cold.He’d say, elbowing me with a grin.Then came the forgetfulness. I once lost my car keys and heard him mutter, “Menopause brain strikes again!” He’d chuckle as if that softened the blow. Or if I didn’t remember something, he’d say, “She forgot again — blame the hormones,” and laugh.Like that made it okay.At first, it was at home. Then it crept into dinners with friends, family barbecues (BBQs), and neighborhood gatherings. I was mortified!