When I got really sick while caring for our newborn daughter, my husband Drew did the unthinkable—he walked out. He claimed my coughing kept him up and that I should “handle it better” since I was the mom. No calls, no help, no concern. I was left alone, feverish and exhausted, taking care of a six-month-old on pure willpower. Once I recovered, I let him return to a spotless house, a hot meal, and a smiling baby—then handed her to him, grabbed my suitcase, and left for a weekend spa retreat. No warning, just payback.

He called, panicked and pleading. Finally, he understood what I’d been dealing with. When I came home, I didn’t hand him divorce papers; I gave him a schedule with half the tasks in his name. I told him I needed a partner, not a burden. To his credit, he’s trying, but I’m watching. I’m not someone you leave behind when things get hard.