When my husband Mark began complaining that I spent “forever” in the bathroom, I explained it was all to look good for him. But his daily gripes didn’t stop—so I taught him a lesson he wouldn’t forget.
Mark and I met on a packed metro, where he offered me his seat with a charming smile. One year later, he proposed. We had a fairy-tale wedding and were blissfully married—until he started nagging me about my beauty routine.
“What do you do in there for two hours?” he’d ask. I told him I was making myself look and smell great for him, but he still acted like I was wasting time.
So I stopped.
No more makeup, shaving, hair-styling, or salon visits. I let it all go. At first, he didn’t notice. But after a few weeks—and a very awkward dinner with his friends—he did.
“You’ve stopped taking care of yourself,” he finally said. I reminded him he didn’t want me spending so much time in the bathroom. He looked stunned as I detailed what that time actually involved—and how much it cost.
That’s when I proposed a deal: I’d go back to my routine, but he’d pay half the costs. After some hesitation, he agreed.
Now? Mark never complains. He brings me coffee while I get ready and even books me spa days. Turns out, appreciating beauty means understanding what it takes—and being willing to invest in it.