Dad said that he was the only one supporting the whole family and that Mom wasn’t helping him. But my wise mother devised a clever scheme to get even with her unappreciative husband. 
One day, Dad said to Mom:
I’ve got you all covered.
These remarks deeply hurt Mom. She even sobbed in private, out of sight of others. Mom is wise, but she also thinks strategically. Instead of arguing, she just said:
I’m sorry I didn’t notice. I should thank you more frequently.
And that was just the beginning.
After that day, Mom started asking Dad for money for almost everything.
We need milk. Could you please share some?
— Our son’s socks had holes in them. Will you get him some new ones?
We ran out of toilet paper.
Meanwhile, she was setting aside her own salary in another account. Every morning and evening, she sincerely thanked Dad:
You’re really kind! Our protector, our breadwinner, and the best wife in the world!
She also said it in a way that eliminated any chance of an argument with Dad.
A few months later, in a most unexpected turn of events, Dad learned who really runs the household
Months passed. There was very little money. Dad started complaining and tried to talk:
Maybe you should start spending your salary too.
But Mom did nothing but stoke the fire with oil:
— No, you are the head of the family. How am I going to replace you?
She continued by expressing even greater appreciation.
Two months later, Dad started to disappear. By staying at friends’ places, visiting his parents, turning off his phone, and only coming home when everyone was asleep, he managed to evade Mom’s next praise.
But Mom insisted. She carried out her plan.
She called Grandma:
We have a wonderful father! For the benefit of the family and the home, everything is done. Please inform him that our child needs new shoes because his existing ones are too small or that he needs to buy groceries.
Grandma enthusiastically delivered the message, unaware of the ruse. Grandpa nodded his approval. Favored by friends:
What a strong family! What a lovely woman you have!
And Dad became more and more puzzled as to why no one understood the real nature of the problem.
It was finished when Dad expressed his desire to go.
Grandma and Grandpa gave him a “talk” about the topic:
How did you manage to? Your wife and family are perfect!
Pretending nothing had happened, Mom started slowly reinvesting her earnings into the family budget. She used the money she saved to pay for my college education as well.
It was then that Dad learned who was in charge of the house. And who, both in words and actions, is the real provider. Since then, they have led contented lives free from strife.
