My husband and I have been married for nine years, and we have a son and a daughter. We have a typical married life. We don’t argue often, but both of us have strong personalities, so when we do, it sometimes leads to a few days of silence. Usually, the one who wants to reconcile takes the initiative.
We both work in management positions at different companies with similar incomes. I work Monday to Friday without overtime, managing most of the household chores, including picking up and dropping off the kids and helping them with their studies. My husband often works far from home and usually comes back on weekends. He doesn’t smoke or gamble and drinks in moderation.
When he’s at home, my husband often spends his time on his phone or watching TV. He’s very passionate about sports, so during football seasons, our house is always packed with people watching until late, often enjoying a few beers together. Since he’s rarely around, he seldom cooks or does grocery shopping. He only watches the children or helps with their studies when I ask him.
Sometimes, I feel like a single mother raising two young kids. My salary covers the family expenses, while my husband claims his income is for saving and investing. I rarely inquire about it, only occasionally checking how much is left in his account.
He dislikes feeling controlled and has a lot of pride, so when he’s with friends, he often covers all the expenses. When relatives visit, he gives them travel money and thoughtfully buys them gifts. He’s also very supportive of his parents, handling the construction of their house and buying many things for them. When visiting my family, he often gives small gifts or some money to my parents and relatives. While these gestures aren’t extravagant, they help earn favor with the elders on both sides.
However, he doesn’t contribute to household purchases. He opposed my decision to buy a dishwasher, insisting it would be better for the kids to handle chores themselves. He had the same reaction when I wanted to buy a dryer, arguing that it would easily damage the clothes. Since I handle the finances, I decide and buy things myself, and it’s not a big deal to me. I think it’s good that my husband takes care of everyone around us, as our life isn’t too difficult.
My husband’s stepmother, who married my father-in-law 10 years ago, often boasts about her stepson, constantly telling relatives that he’s wealthy, handsome, and very filial. The more I stay silent, the more she talks.
In reality, my income is the same as my husband’s, and I manage all the household responsibilities. I used to be the beauty queen of my class and department, but I don’t take pride in that or use it to respond to elders. I also don’t like sharing details about my work or income with them. Because I always come home on time and remain cheerful, they assume my income is much lower than my husband’s.
My father-in-law is very loving towards his children and grandchildren, especially towards me. He always encourages me during childbirth or whenever I’m unwell. Also, I understand that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and I feel content with my husband because he always speaks kindly to me and our children. Even during arguments, he never addresses me disrespectfully.
So, should I be honest with my mother-in-law about my income and work to reduce her boasting about her son, especially in front of my parents?