You lounge about at home all day and do nothingin that moment, I decided it was time for some payback.
Before I got married, my mates warned me that once a man ties the knot, he starts to view his wife as his property and his true colours start to show. But like any hopeful young woman, I convinced myself my husband wouldnt be like that. Even before our wedding, William always cherished me, never uttered a harsh word, and went out of his way to avoid upsetting me. He wanted me at his side all the time. But I suppose I was wrong, just as many women have been. Its true, it seems, that when a chap wins a ladys heart, he tends to change.
William started criticising my mother just a few months after we married. Why is she always ringing? Why does she visit every week? Wanting to keep the peace, I went along with him. I was anxious for the future of my marriage, so I quietly asked Mum not to call as much and only rang her when I was alone. But that was just the beginning. When I became pregnant, I lost my job. My contract wasnt renewed because I was told to rest, as there were complications and my pregnancy was at risk. Thats when William began having a go at me, saying things like, Youre at home all day and do nothing. I stayed quietI was scared, pregnant, and worried about what would happen if he left me.
A year and a half after our daughter Emily was born, he started demanding to be treated like royalty. When he came back from work, I was expected to meet him at the door, bring his slippers, and have a hot, tasty meal ready in the kitchen. He didnt lift a finger with the babyeverything was womens work. I was completely worn out. Finally, I packed our bags and took Emily to stay with Mum. I didnt speak to William for two months. Life carried on, I went back to work, and I looked better every day. Then, one afternoon, William showed up at our doorlooking thin and scruffy, begging on his knees for forgiveness. I told him, quite frankly, the only way forward was if he took a cookery course. From now on, hed be doing his fair share of cooking and tidying once I came home. He agreed, so well see if he actually keeps it up.
Looking back, I realise sometimes people will treat you how you let them. Ive learnt its vital to stand up for yourselfbecause respect has to go both ways.
