When My MIL Handed Me a ‘Good Wife’ Rulebook on My Wedding Day, My Husband Got Rich!

You think you’re entering a dream when you marry the person you love. But that dream can quickly become a nightmare when you receive a list of rules about how to be a “good wife.” This is where my revenge started.

As a child, I always imagined that marriage would be different. I pictured Sunday mornings in bed, sharing laughs and secrets, and a partnership based on love and respect. But reality has a strange way of surprising you.

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Dan and I had just gotten married. The wedding was perfect—small, intimate, everything I had always dreamed of. For a while, it felt like a fairy tale. Dan was kind and funny, and I truly believed we shared the same ideas about how we wanted to live our lives together. That was until Karen, his mother, gave me a gift after the ceremony.

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I remember standing in our living room, still feeling happy from the wedding, when Karen came up to me with her “special” present.

“This is for you, Lucia. A little something to help you as you start your new role.” She handed me a fancy box with a big smile, but her eyes didn’t match her cheerful expression.

Inside the box was a neatly folded piece of paper. When I opened it, my mouth dropped. At the top, in bold letters, it said: “How to Be a Good Wife for My Son.”

At first, I laughed, thinking it was a joke. Maybe Karen was making fun of those old-fashioned ideas about marriage.

Source: Midjourney

But as I kept reading, my smile faded. It was a real list—actual rules I was supposed to follow as Dan’s wife.

I looked at Dan, hoping he’d be as shocked as I was, but he was busy opening his own gift. A check. A big one, too. And me? I got a rulebook.

Later that evening, Dan came to me with a sheepish grin. “You got the rules my mom gave you, didn’t you?” he asked, as if it were just a casual suggestion, not a guide for a life of serving him.

“Yep… I did,” I replied, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice but not succeeding.

Dan shifted awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck. “Well, you know, that’s just how it is now. Marriage is different from dating.”

Source: Midjourney

I stared at him, waiting for him to smile, to say it was all a joke. But he didn’t.

“Wait… You’re serious?” I asked, looking at him like I didn’t recognize the man I had just married.

He shrugged. “It’s just how things are. Mom says it’s important to keep order, you know?”

I bit my lip, holding back a sharp reply. Keep order. That’s how they saw me now?

After Dan fell asleep, I read through the list again, my hands shaking with anger. I couldn’t believe the nerve.

Source: Midjourney

At 6 a.m., I had to be fully dressed and made up, cooking a hot breakfast for Dan. No veggies, no milk, no butter—he only likes plain eggs and toast. The toast must be perfectly golden brown, and it has to be served on a blue plate because the green one ruins his appetite.

Do all the grocery shopping myself. Dan hates shopping, and it’s no place for a man. Always buy his favorite beer, but not too much—just enough for football nights, but not so much he gets lazy. And I had to carry everything in myself because it’s unladylike to ask for help.

After dinner, the kitchen had to be spotless before Dan even left the dining room. Men shouldn’t see a mess; they must enter a clean space. And always stack the plates by size, wiping the counters twice because Dan hates crumbs.

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Dress conservatively when Dan’s friends come over. We don’t want them thinking I’m too “modern” or that I’m not the “right kind of wife.” A good wife never wears anything above the knee, and the neckline should always be high. Anything else would embarrass Dan in front of his buddies.

Make sure Dan never does his laundry. A good wife always has fresh, ironed clothes ready, and socks folded just right—three folds, not two—because that’s how Dan likes them. He should never have to pick out mismatched socks or wear a wrinkled shirt. It reflects poorly on me if he does.

By the time I finished reading, I was furious. This wasn’t just outdated advice; it was a full-on expectation that I cater to Dan’s every wish like I had no other purpose.

And the worst part? Dan was okay with it. He hadn’t even reacted when I mentioned the rules.

I felt trapped, but I wasn’t going to let them get away with this. If they wanted to play this game, I’d play along, but on my terms.

The morning after I read Karen’s list, I woke up at 6 a.m., just like the rules said. I got out of bed, put on my makeup, and slipped into a nice dress.

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I looked at myself in the mirror, quietly laughing at how silly this all was. But if Karen wanted me to play this part, I would—just with a twist.

I went downstairs and made breakfast, just like the rules said: plain toast and eggs. But I didn’t stop there. I took the tiniest slice of toast and a plain boiled egg and put them on Dan’s huge blue plate. The plate was so big that the small meal looked ridiculous.

I carefully set it on the table, smiling sweetly as Dan walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes.

He looked at the plate, confused. “Isn’t there… anything else?”

I shook my head, smiling brightly. “Just following the rules. Plain eggs and toast! Want me to make another slice?”

Dan sighed, picking up the toast. “No… this is fine.”

I stood there watching him eat the driest breakfast ever, trying not to laugh. Oh, this was going to be entertaining.

Later that afternoon, I made a big show of going to the grocery store. I took my reusable bags and left the house, making sure Dan saw me go by myself, just like the rules said.

When I got back, I carried in all the bags myself, even the heavy ones. Dan watched from the couch, clearly uncomfortable but saying nothing. As I unpacked, he frowned.

“Where’s the beer? Did you forget it?” he asked.

“Oh no, I didn’t forget,” I said cheerfully. “I just didn’t want you getting lazy. Besides, sparkling water is good for you!”

I pulled out a six-pack of sparkling water, a big bottle of green juice, and some quinoa, knowing he wouldn’t touch any of them. Dan’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t say anything. I could see he was starting to realize something was off, but I was just getting started.

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After dinner, I followed the other rules in the letter. I wiped down the counters, washed the dishes, and cleaned the kitchen—but not really.

Instead of putting everything back where it belonged, I rearranged the whole kitchen. Plates went in the bathroom cupboard, utensils in the laundry room, and the toaster? I put that in the hall closet.

Dan came into the kitchen, looking around in confusion. “Why is everything all over the place?”

I turned to him with a worried look. “I’m doing my best! Maybe I need to wipe the counters three times instead of two?”

He blinked at me, totally confused, but he let it go. The fun was just beginning.

When Dan’s friends came over for football night a few days later, I made sure to follow Karen’s rule about dressing modestly. I dug through my closet and found the most old-fashioned outfit I could: a long skirt, high-collared blouse, and a buttoned-up cardigan that looked like something from the 1800s.

As soon as Dan’s friends arrived, I walked into the living room with a tray of snacks. His friends looked me up and down, confused but polite enough not to say anything.

Dan pulled me aside as soon as he could, whispering, “You know you don’t have to dress like that, right?”

I widened my eyes innocently. “But your mom said I have to dress modestly. We wouldn’t want them getting the wrong idea about me, would we?”

Dan’s friends exchanged awkward glances, but I kept smiling sweetly. The look on Dan’s face was priceless; he was starting to see that I was flipping this whole “good wife” idea upside down, and he was stuck going along with it.

Laundry day came, and I followed the rules again, but with a twist. I washed all of Dan’s clothes together: whites, darks, colors—everything went in one load. When I pulled them out, his once-clean shirts were now a lovely shade of pink, and his socks were either shrunk or mismatched.

Source: Midjourney

Dan opened his drawer the next morning, pulling out one wrinkled pink shirt after another. “What happened to my clothes? These socks don’t even match!”

I walked in with an apologetic look. “Oh no! I must’ve messed up. I’ll try folding them in threes next time, just like the rules say.”

He groaned, putting on his mismatched socks before heading to work, completely defeated. I couldn’t help but smile.

By the end of the week, Dan had had enough. He was trying to eat yet another bland breakfast when Karen arrived, her usual smile on her face. She sat at the table, looking pleased.

“Lucia, I’m so glad to see you following the rules! Isn’t life easier now?”

I laughed quietly. “Oh, Karen, you have no idea.”

Dan slammed his fork down, surprising both of us. “Mom, we need to talk.”

Karen blinked, confused. “Talk about what?”

“These rules… they’re crazy,” Dan said, his voice rising. “I’m miserable, Lucia’s miserable, and this isn’t how we’re going to live.”

Karen looked shocked. “But, Dan, I just want to make sure you’re taken care of! I thought this was how marriage should be!”

Dan shot me a glance, and I shrugged. I was just following the rules, right?

“We need to find our own way,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re my wife, not my maid.”

Karen’s face fell, her smile fading. “I was just trying to help. I didn’t mean to upset you both…”

But it was too late. The damage was done. We spent the next few days talking about what we wanted our marriage to look like, finally finding a balance between his mom’s outdated ideas and our modern life.

The change didn’t happen overnight, but eventually, we found a way to laugh about the whole ordeal, especially when Dan had to explain to his mom why he was now making breakfast for me on Saturdays.

Karen never brought up the rules again, and I made sure to return the fancy box she gave me, filled with the crumpled paper and an assortment of mismatched socks. I told her I didn’t need them anymore.

Looking back, I can’t help but think that her gift, while ridiculous, actually brought us closer together. Dan and I learned how to communicate better, and we established what we wanted from our marriage without anyone else’s rules getting in the way.

All Three of Brad Pitt’s Daughters, Zahara, Vivienne, & Shiloh, Have Changed Their Names 

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s daughters, Zahara, Vivienne, and Shiloh, made headlines recently as it was revealed that they have adopted new names. This decision to change their names garnered significant reactions among fans and followers of the Hollywood star and his family.

Shiloh Nouvel, Vivienne Marcheline, Angelina Jolie, and Zahara Marley attend the World Premiere of Disney's “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on September 30, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Zahara Seemingly Drops Last Name

Zahara Jolie-Pitt, the eldest daughter of Hollywood’s former power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has embarked on a new chapter in her life as an official member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha organization at Spelman College in Atlanta. This has also come with a notable drop of the name “Pitt.”

Brad Pitt and his daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt spotted at a playground in New York City on August 26, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

In a captivating video shared by Essence, Zahara’s infectious energy and enthusiasm were on full display as she introduced herself during her sorority’s probate.

Dressed in a stylish black midi dress, gloves, and pearls, she proudly declared, “My name is Zahara Marley Jolie, coming all the way from the Golden State in the city that is full of angels, Los Angeles, California. I am this line’s number seven.”

Zahara Jolie-Pitt introduces herself on stage as Zahara Jolie at Spelman College, as seen in the video dated November 2023. | Source: Instagram/essence

Fans expressed their thoughts regarding the missing “Pitt” from her name during this significant moment. One commenter expressed disappointment, noting, “That’s a shame seeing as how life could have been different for her, and he played a part in changing her life for the better.” Another fan questioned the scrutiny aimed at Brad, asking, “Why are they giving Brad such a hard time?”

Brad Pitt and his daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt visiting Central Park on August 28, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Another comment urged caution, stating, “I just hope this young lady is making decisions based on her own reality because to reject a parent is a BIG DEAL and should not be influenced by other people’s experiences or recollections.”

As she begins this new chapter in her life, it’s clear that Zahara’s name choice is eliciting thoughtful reflections on the complexities of family dynamics after her parents’ divorce.

Zahara Jolie-Pitt attends the "The Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo in London, England, on October 27, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

Vivienne Changes Name Amid Parents’ Legal Feud — Report

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt is one of the twins of Angelina and Brad. When the twins were born in 2008, Brad was “very pleased to be at the birth of his children, very moved and very emotional,” said OB/GYN Dr. Michel Sussman.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attends the opening night of "The Outsiders" at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Now 15, Vivienne is exploring her artistic side with her mom’s strong support. According to People, the Playbill for the musical “The Outsiders” lists her as “Vivienne Jolie,” notably without “Pitt.” This name change marks a significant step in Vivienne’s evolving public identity.

Brad Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on December 4, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In the musical, Vivienne Jolie works as a production assistant, and her mother, Angelina, is the producer. She often joins her mom during the musical’s promotional tour.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the opening night of "The Outsiders" at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In a recent appearance on “Today,” she was spotted watching Angelina from the crowd. Reflecting on her daughter’s role in the musical, Angelina shared that Vivienne’s enthusiasm for the project is driven by its focus on family.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt watches her mother, Angelina Jolie, being interviewed in the "Today" show for their musical "The Outsiders," dated May 2024. | Source: Instagram/todayshow

The veteran actress said, “And the same reason it responded to her, the same reason she wanted me next to her watching it, the same reason we all hugged when I came out here is because this is about family and it’s about community…”

Before the promotional tour, the mother-daughter pair were spotted attending the musical’s preview in New York City. This rare outing marked a significant public appearance for Vivienne, her first since 2021, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

Angelina Jolie and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at the Walter Kerr Theatre for the Broadway show "Hadestown" in Times Square on August 19, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Vivienne’s reported name change and recent public appearances highlight the evolving dynamics of the Jolie-Pitt family, especially after a third child, Shiloh, chose to follow in the footsteps of Zahara and Vivienne.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the Los Angeles premiere of MSNBC Films' "Paper & Glue: A JR Project" at Museum Of Tolerance on November 18, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Turned 18 and Unveiled Her New Moniker

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, who turned 18 on May 27, has filed legal documents to drop her father Brad’s surname and use her mother, Angelina’s surname. She now wishes to be known simply as “Shiloh Jolie,” making this one of her first actions as an adult.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the premiere of "Maleficent : Mistress of Evil" on October 7, 2019, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

TMZ recently reported that Shiloh filed the paperwork on Memorial Day, which coincided with her birthday. The request for the name change has yet to be officially granted, but it is expected to be a matter of time before it becomes official.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt attends the "Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Shiloh’s decision follows a trend within the family, as her sisters, Vivienne and Zahara, have also reportedly omitted “Pitt” on separate occasions. These changes in the children’s names come amid court documents suggesting Angelina may have influenced their strained relationship with Brad.

Angelina Jolie, daughters Zahara and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt attend the gala screening of "The Eternals" at the BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Recent claims against the actress surfaced through a statement from Tony Webb, owner of SRS Global, a security company that provided personal protection for Angelina. Webb, employed under Jolie from 2000 to 2020, shared insights from his experience.

Angelina Jolie during the Service of Commemoration and Dedication at St Paul's Cathedral in London on June 28, 2018. | Source: Getty Images

“One of the two individuals, Ross Foster, specified that he intended to testify regardless of the NDA if he received a court subpoena,” Webb stated. He further revealed disturbing details about the potential testimony.

Angelina Jolie at the ICC in The Hague on May 19, 2009. | Source: Getty Images

“When Mr. Foster told me this, he also told me that if asked, he would testify about statements he overheard that Ms. Jolie made to the children, encouraging them to avoid spending time with Mr. Pitt during custody visits,” he claimed.

Maddox, Vivienne, Angelina Jolie, Zahara, Shiloh, and Knox Jolie Pitt during the world premiere of Marvel Studios' "Eternals" at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

This revelation sparked a fierce reaction across social media platforms, with many expressing dismay at Angelina. Others showed concern over the potential impact on the Jolie-Pitt children.

Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie Pitt, Brad Pitt, and Maddox Pitt walking at the seafront promenade in Mumbai on November 12, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

“The fact that she cannot see the harm this is doing to their kids is just shocking,” one person commented. This was echoed by another commenter who noted, “It’s probably why Shiloh is moving in with her father now… She’s realized her mother is vindictive and has been trying to alienate them from Brad for years.”

Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina Jolie, and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

One called Angelina’s alleged move “the worse possible thing a person can do… alienate their children from a parent.” Meanwhile, another declared “Shame on her.”

Angelina Jolie, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt at Haneda Airport on June 21, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images

The debate over Angelina’s actions led some to reflect on the cyclical nature of such behavior, attributing it to her tumultuous upbringing. “Her childhood was similar from what I read. Maybe she can’t break that perpetual cycle or doesn’t want to,” one claimed.

Brad Pitt, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt on July 30, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images

Besides Vivienne, Shiloh, and Zahara, Angelina is a mother to Knox, Pax, and Maddox. She shares all of them with Brad and despite the public’s critical perception, Angelina Jolie has continually strived to embody the role of a nurturing, attentive mother. This is, a commitment deeply rooted in the lessons taught by her own mom, Marcheline Bertrand.

Marcheline Bertrand at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, California, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images

In a candid revelation made back in 2011, Angelina shared insights into her parenting approach, which is heavily influenced by the relationship she cherished with her mother. Angelina emphasized the importance of not just being a parent but also a friend to her children.

Angelina Jolie, Marcheline Bertrand, and Jacqueline Bisset at the premiere of her new film "Original Sin" in West Hollywood, on July 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images

She highlighted the invaluable connection she experienced through open communication and shared activities with her mother. This foundation has guided her in fostering a similar bond with her children, ensuring that despite their diverse backgrounds, they feel united as a family.

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, and Knox Jolie-Pitt during the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil European Premiere held at Imax Waterloo in London on October 9, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Remembering her mother’s gentle spirit and unwavering generosity, Angelina aspires to emulate these traits. Her aim is clear: to be as good a mother to her children as her mother was to her.

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