Wife Shares ‘Unhinged’ Chore List Husband Made For Her, And The Internet Explodes

When a husband’s ‘daily routine’ list for his wife went viral, the internet called it out. Here’s why today’s relationships need equality, not control.

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• November 4, 2024

A list titled “Lisa’s Daily Routine for Becoming a Better Wife” recently went viral, igniting intense online debate about gender roles and marital expectations. The list, allegedly created by a husband for his wife, was shared on Threads and quickly gained attention from multiple media outlets.

The outlined tasks, which included everything from cleaning to cooking to smiling more, read like a strict chore list rather than a loving partnership, which sparked widespread outrage. Many found the list absurd and degrading, with its rigid schedule resembling instructions for an employee rather than guidelines for a spouse.

The list’s popularity highlights how outdated gender roles still provoke strong reactions today. At a time when traditional marriage roles were under greater scrutiny, the list became a point of discussion, raising questions about equality, respect, and the division of labor in relationships.

Assigning gender-specific tasks may not be new, but today’s society is more openly challenging these expectations, pushing for balanced, respectful partnerships. This reaction also shows the growing resistance to stereotypes that view domestic work as “women’s work.”

For many, the list served as a reminder of how far societal expectations have evolved—and how much work remains to achieve true equality in relationships.

The Controversial Chore List

The list itself outlined daily chores for “Lisa” that were shockingly meticulous and demanding, resembling instructions for an employee rather than a life partner.

Tasks included cleaning, cooking, and even reminders to “smile more,” which many online saw as infantilizing and patronizing.

This list quickly made the rounds on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, with users questioning its authenticity while lambasting its message.

Even the Trad Wives subreddit, a community that often advocates traditional gender roles, responded with skepticism, noting that a healthy marriage is built on mutual respect and partnership, not control or dominance.

The internet’s reaction was explosive, with some calling it “rage bait” while others saw it as a disturbing glimpse into controlling relationship dynamics.

Many commented that even if the list were fabricated, its popularity reflects society’s discomfort with restrictive gender roles and the lingering expectation for women to take on the lion’s share of household responsibilities.

Why Women Are Rejecting Gendered Roles

More women today are choosing to reject traditional roles, realizing the trade-offs in emotional and physical labor often outweigh any benefits.

A recent study by the Harvard Business Review found that while most people appreciate routines, those routines need to be self-chosen, not dictated by a partner.

The societal expectation that women should be homemakers, combined with the assumption that they are “naturally” better suited for domestic work, has led many to reconsider marriage altogether.

Brooklyn-based psychotherapist Tonya Lester, LCSW, highlights that the lack of emotional intimacy and an unequal workload can make long-term relationships less appealing.

Women today expect equal partnerships that foster emotional support, understanding, and shared responsibilities.

In a recent interview, life coach Laura Danger explained that the idea of “women’s work” is a learned societal message, one that unfairly burdens women with a disproportionate share of housework and childcare.

A Changing Perspective on Relationships

As society moves forward, so do expectations of relationships.

This viral list may or may not have been real, but its impact speaks volumes.

Relationships today are increasingly based on mutual respect, shared responsibilities, and understanding—qualities the list sorely lacks.

Just take a look at what people had to say...

"Indentured servant"

"Not a subordinate"

"Fixed it!"

"Do this stuff out of love, not obligation"

Whoopsies

"I'd have stayed in prison"

"Fixed it for you"

Right, Lisa!

Did it?

Just send the men to war!

Honestly!

"At least he was considerate enough..."

"Provide him a list of your preferred salary"

Sure thing!

"List over"

"How's the PTO?"

That sums it all up...

"This is a TPE fetish"

"This is a good SAH agenda"

"I will use this guide"

"This is a great list"

Unfortunately...

This viral list might be a throwback to the 1950s, but reactions prove one thing: people aren’t here for outdated “to-do lists” disguised as love. In a world embracing equality, it’s clear that if a relationship has rules, they should apply to both sides—or expect a viral backlash!

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia