Returning from a business trip to Tokyo, I eagerly texted my husband David, “Landed! Can’t wait to see you.” His quick reply crushed my excitement: “Hey, babe. Can’t make it. Jenny needed a ride after her gym session. Sorry. Will make it up to you.” Furious and hurt, I asked my friend Mark to pick me up instead.

On the drive home, I vented to Mark about David constantly prioritizing Jenny over me. Mark listened sympathetically and encouraged me to address the issue. Inspired, I invited Mark to dinner to show David what it felt like to be neglected.

That evening, I cooked David’s favorite meal and set a beautiful table. When David arrived and saw Mark, he was confused. Throughout dinner, I praised Mark’s reliability, making David increasingly uncomfortable. “I, uh, I would’ve come, but Jenny really needed a ride,” David muttered. “And I needed my husband,” I shot back.

After dinner, I confronted David about his priorities. “I need to know that I come first sometimes,” I said. David apologized, realizing how much he had hurt me. In the following months, David made significant efforts to prioritize our relationship, leaving work earlier and spending more time with me. His actions showed his commitment to change and to making our relationship stronger.