Husband’s Demand to Get a Stationary Bike Was a Temporary Peace Treaty, But What His Wife Wanted Shocked Him.

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In a tale of compromise and self-care, the Original Poster (OP) navigates the treacherous waters of balancing personal fitness and family responsibilities. As the couple juggles the demands of work, childcare, and individual needs, a climax emerges: both yearn for personal time to work out. Yet, finding a resolution proves elusive, leaving readers in suspense.

New Beginnings

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OP and his wife, both 30 years old, welcome the joy of two small children into their lives: a two-year-old and a three-month-old. As first-time parents, they face various challenges together. A recurring disagreement, however, stems from OP’s visits to the gym after work hours.

The Dilemma of the Gym

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The topic of the gym has become a contentious issue in the household. OP’s wife believes he could spend more time at home, especially since they have two young children. Despite this, OP continues to maintain his fitness routine.

The Weekday Routine

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With a demanding full-time job, OP only finds the time to work out after work in the afternoons. He hopes that this arrangement will cause minimal disruption to the family routine. Yet, this choice further fuels the underlying disagreement.

Weekend Workouts

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On weekends, OP is mindful of his children’s routines, limiting his gym time to when they are napping. Attempting a compromise, OP sometimes uses a stationary bike at home. But even this gesture results in friction, often receiving passive-aggressive comments from his wife.

A Pointed Response

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Each time OP mentions his intention to work out, his wife’s retorts hint at the chores that could be accomplished instead. Phrases like “must be nice to workout whenever you want” become a frequent soundtrack to their disagreements.

Offering a Trade

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OP repeatedly offers to care for the kids if his wife wishes to go out or exercise. However, she usually declines, citing unfavorable timings. OP believes it isn’t too much to ask for a few hours a week to maintain his physical and mental well-being.

The Balance of Housework

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The division of housework is systematic in the family’s household. Whoever is not watching the kids handles the chores like dishwashing, vacuuming, and caring for the dog, ensuring both partners contribute to the home’s upkeep.

Nightly Duties

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The infant’s sleeping arrangement requires a joint effort. While the baby sleeps in the couple’s room, OP assists with burping and re-settling after feedings. Yet, he admits to missing some nights when exhaustion takes over.

The Remote Work Dynamics

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OP’s wife’s job doesn’t majorly interfere with her sleep. Most of her work commitments, including evening Zoom meetings, are manageable. The flexibility allows her to work at her pace, especially when OP is available to watch over the kids.

Morning Moments

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OP dedicates his mornings to their two-year-old. Their routine involves waking up early, sharing breakfast, and spending quality time together. This leaves no room for OP to fit in an early morning workout.

The Question of Timing

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Though the possibility of working out very early or late exists, OP has yet to try due to the nighttime responsibilities with the kids. This further limits his options for gym hours without causing disruptions.

A Desire Echoed

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The conflict takes another dimension when it’s revealed that OP’s wife also desires time to work out. It isn’t merely about her wanting free time away from the kids but also the opportunity to maintain her fitness.

A Common Goal

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The challenge remains in navigating their busy schedules and responsibilities to find a middle ground. While filled with love for their children and each other, the couple’s journey grapples with the challenge of balancing personal desires with family responsibilities.

Was The Husband’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts his story online for feedback and perspective from the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “You’re going to the gym straight after work, which is the worst time for small kids.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “Your wife cares for a toddler and baby and works part-time three months postpartum. Give her a break.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “I got to say, if you’re going to the gym five times a week during regular gym hours but outside of ‘demanding full-time job’ hours, I have a hard time imagining when you have time to parent or participate in your family.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

Another reader commented, “Unless you have extremely low-maintenance children and have a lot of energy, I would be surprised you are doing your fair share of chores and childcare because you have the time and energy to go to the gym regularly.”