Marriage is a teamwork. But the ugly truth is, once the household chores kick in, it often becomes a one-woman team. Sadly, traditional and toxic gender role beliefs still dominate most households. So, when TikTok user Jalie got fed up with her husband’s mess, she declared a week-long strike and stopped cleaning after him.
The 27-year-old TikTok user from Central Florida and her husband have been living together since 2015. Apparently, a bold claim by her husband about household chores prompted her to go on a strike to prove a point.
“It all started when my husband and I were having a conversation about household chores and he jokingly said that he does all the cleaning which I immediately protested and mentioned I should go on strike.”
This TikTok user declared a “wife strike” after her husband made a bold claim about cleaning the house
@wifestrikePt 1 wife on strike? original sound – Jalie
@wifestrikePt 2 Wife on strike? original sound – Jalie
@wifestrikeI got the silent treatment all day yesterday because of my strike ?? original sound – Jalie
Aptly going by the handle @wifestrike, Jalie documented each day of her protest to see how her husband would fare without her help. From unsorted laundry, misplaced toiletries, and piling up dishes, the house was practically a mess. Amassing over 40.9K followers and 2.8M likes, Jalie’s content has undoubtedly resonated with a lot of spouses.
“I knew there had to be people out there with these husband and cohabiter woes. I realized that I was not alone and that I was conditioned to silently clean up after my husband that he literally forgets he ever left a mess behind.”
Judging by the state of the house, it has become clear who’s really in charge of keeping it clean
@wifestrikeeverything he does when I ask is SO halfazzed? original sound – Jalie
@wifestrikeI couldn’t help myself in these areas and cleaned up ?? original sound – Jalie
@wifestrikeWife strike progress update. Two more days to go ?? original sound – Jalie
According to Jalie, going on a chore strike is a way to make spouses realize who really keeps the house clean and orderly. And so far, it seems to have been fairly effective for her.
“There have been small improvements with my husband and I think the overall message is setting in. However, I’m thinking a week-long is not enough and I will follow through until the areas of concern are addressed so hopefully he gets the full scope of what I do.”
@wifestrikeIt looks like the bare minimum is being done after 6 whole days? original sound – Jalie
So far, Jalie’s “wife strike” seems to have been fairly effective
@wifestrikeA huge thank you all for the support and encouragement on my Wife Strike journey?? original sound – Jalie
Overall, Jalie is grateful that she’s able to use her platform to raise awareness on labor division at home.
“I would like to add that I am so grateful for the encouragement and support on TikTok. I’m so pleased that I’m able to be vocal about something that so many people go through! I should have done this sooner.”
Fellow wives expressed their full support for Jalie’s chore strike
Source: wifestrike