When my spouse, Peter, 40, and I, Shannon, 35, argued over who should pay for takeaway, it highlighted our financial inequalities.

I earn more than Peter, which makes him less concerned about our finances. For a long time, Peter had refused to share the bills and chores fairly, often leaving me to shoulder the burden alone. But after our last argument, I decided it was time to teach him a lesson he wouldn’t forget. We had been together for eight years, and in the beginning, things were different. We shared everything equally, and our relationship was built on mutual respect and love. However, as my career advanced and I started earning more, Peter became increasingly complacent. He began to expect me to cover more expenses and neglected his share of household chores. One Friday evening, after a particularly exhausting week at work, I suggested ordering takeaway. I was too tired to cook, and I thought a nice meal would be a good way to unwind. We decided on an upscale restaurant, and the total came to $200. As I reached for my wallet, Peter casually remarked, “You should pay for this, Shannon. You earn more than I do.”