While celebrating a new life and transitioning into a new role, a mother found herself struggling to get a moment alone after she welcomed her daughter. A time that was meant to be exciting for her and her husband led to them having a big fight over their parenting roles.
In the whirlwind of joy and exhaustion in the early days of parenthood, a mother found herself longing for a mere moment of quietness and alone time. She took to Reddit to share her frustrations. She started off by explaining that she had only had her child for two weeks. Her daughter was strictly breastfeeding, but in addition to cluster feeding, she realized her daughter found comfort in being close to her.
A mother holding her new born | Source: Shutterstock
This meant that her new role allowed her little to no time alone. “I’ve showered once by myself since having her, and it only lasted long enough for me to soap up before she was crying and my husband was bringing her into the bathroom with me. I think I literally had all of 2-3 minutes,” she wrote.
On the contrary, she noticed her husband’s life had not changed. He still got to have long and uninterrupted showers every day but never understood why his showers frustrated his wife.
Each time she was in the shower, and the baby would cry, her husband would bring their newborn to her to calm her down. It made her angry that he did not even try to calm the baby down on his own, but his excuse was that the child loved showers, and seeing her cry hurt him deeply.
A mother with her baby | Source: Shutterstock
As sweet as his fears sounded, the Redditor still needed to find a way to get a full self-care routine without a baby being handed over to her. So, she decided to call in help. She asked her mother to watch her daughter as she showered. Her husband was not there when she reached out to her child’s grandmother, but when he arrived, he asked what his mother-in-law was doing at their house.
Surprisingly, he was angry at his wife’s decision to call her mother just to take a shower. “I could have watched her. Why would you do that?” he asked, to which the Redditor responded, “Every time you watch her while I shower, she ends up in here with me within 2 minutes of me being in here because you don’t even try to calm her down.”
A mother with her baby | Source: Shutterstock
Therefore, after five days of trying to shave her legs, she could not wait to enjoy the warm water hitting her body and relaxing her muscles. “I need to self-care,” the Redditor emphasized.
The original poster’s honest account of her experience as a new mother erupted in a chorus of voices from commenters sharing their own experiences and offering support. One commenter challenged the husband’s logic and suggested, “If, according to hubby, showers calm her down, why isn’t he taking her on his 30-60 minute showers?”
A mother looking stressed with her child | Source: Shutterstock
Another suggestion was for the OP to lock the door as a temporary solution and to teach her husband a lesson on respecting someone’s privacy. Another Reddit user said the husband made himself look bad in front of his mother-in-law, but it was time he realized that he could also parent his daughter without always running to his wife.
The discussion took a deeper dive into the dynamics of communication and support within the relationship. Commenters pointed out the absurdity that the husband had been more concerned about his wife calling her mother rather than making sure that his wife’s well-being was attended to. “You found a way around it. And now, even knowing how hard it’s been for you, he’s still not actually concerned about you; he’s just worried about how it looks to your mum,” remarked a commenter.
A man sitting next to a crib looking stressed | Source: Shutterstock
One mother said her husband once interrupted her hair appointment but she had a serious conversation with him and made him look back at the number of haircuts he had had since their baby arrived. She told him never to interrupt her alone time unless it was an emergency, so the commenter advised the OP to have the same stern conversation with her husband.
A couple fighting | Source: Shutterstock
Another commenter shared a personal story of how her husband had slacked at the beginning of their parenting journey and how she eventually found a way to work as a team. The mother said her baby was a bit fussy on the first night home and she would always take the lead and calm her down.
But after three days, she put on earplugs and requested her husband only wake her up when the baby needed a feed and let her partner take care of the baby during the night, which led to a more equitable parenting dynamic.
The commenter added that allocating responsibilities helped them both understand the difficulty and joy of caring for a newborn, but it also allowed them to foster empathy and understanding. “That night, my partner became an equal parent,” the commenter added.
Here is a story about a newborn who cried nonstop no matter what the parents did. But they eventually realized the answer to their child’s misery was in the crib.
For Months, I Kept Receiving Gifts From a Secret Admirer, but the Truth I Discovered on Valentine’s Day Shocked Me — Story of the Day
I never cared for romance. It always seemed like a fantasy, something that belonged in movies, not real life. But then the gifts started arriving—flowers, chocolates, even books I had wanted. No name, no clues. Just a secret admirer who knew too much. Someone was watching. But who? And why?
To be honest, I was never the romantic type. It had always been that way. Ever since my teenage years, I never understood why everyone was so obsessed with romantic comedies.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The grand gestures, the dramatic confessions, the over-the-top happy endings—it all felt staged, unrealistic.
Love didn’t work like that in real life. At least, that’s what I believed. Yet, someone decided to prove me wrong.
One day, I arrived at work, juggling my coffee and bag, only to freeze at my desk.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
A massive bouquet of flowers sat there, bright and overwhelming. A note was attached.
My heart pounded as I unfolded it, hoping for a name. But all it said was, “Your smile brightens my days.”
“Did anyone see who brought this bouquet?” I asked, holding up the note.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Robert looked up from his computer. “No. I was the first one here. It was already on your desk when I arrived.” His usual warm smile made me trust him.
Robert was my favorite coworker. He was kind, thoughtful, and always had my back.
“Wow,” Brian said from across the room. “Someone actually noticed you exist.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I rolled my eyes. Brian was my least favorite coworker. Brian never missed a chance to annoy me.
Since my first day at the office, he had made it his mission to get on my nerves.
“Do you have to be like that?” Robert asked, shaking his head. “Jealous the bouquet isn’t for you?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Brian smirked. “Oh, look at our knight in shining armor.” He walked off before I could reply.
“Thanks,” I said to Robert.
“Always happy to help,” he said, winking.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I smiled, pushed the flowers aside, and turned on my computer. Work had to come first.
The thing was, Robert, Brian, and I were each working on a project for the company, but only one of us would receive funding.
Winning meant recognition, respect, and career growth. Losing meant months of effort wasted. I figured that was why Brian had been even more unbearable lately.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
He thrived on competition and loved getting under my skin. This was a battle, and in battles, anything was fair game.
I couldn’t let him—or even Robert—win. I was one of the only women in the company, and I had worked hard to get here.
If my project got funded, it would prove I belonged, that I was just as good—no, better—than the men.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
But then, there were the gifts. The gifts from my secret admirer didn’t stop—they kept arriving almost daily.
At first, I didn’t mind. A bouquet one day, chocolates the next. Then, candy and books—ones I had wanted but never mentioned aloud, at least not that I remembered.
That’s when it stopped feeling sweet and started feeling… unsettling. I wasn’t the kind of person to daydream about romance.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I didn’t swoon over mystery admirers. I analyzed, questioned, doubted. How did this person know so much about me?
Someone was watching. Someone knew my habits, my preferences. I wasn’t flattered. I was scared.
“You must be happy to have a secret admirer,” Robert said one day, leaning back in his chair.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Honestly, it freaks me out,” I admitted.
Robert raised an eyebrow. “Oh, come on. It’s sweet.”
I shook my head. “Not so sure about that.”
Brian, who had been eavesdropping, smirked. “Right. It’s probably some psycho who’s going to be waiting outside the office one day to get rid of you.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I grabbed a pencil and threw it at him. “Only a sick idiot like you would do that.”
Brian dodged it easily. “Touched a nerve?”
I turned back to my work, pushing away the anxious thoughts. My head was already spinning from this project.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I just wanted to get it over with. The presentation wasn’t until February 14th. Ironic, wasn’t it?
Brian wasn’t done. He strolled over and glanced at my computer screen. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
I turned the monitor away from him. “Stop snooping. You probably just want to steal my idea.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“My idea is way better,” Brian said, crossing his arms.
“Sure,” I said, dripping with sarcasm.
Brian rolled his eyes and walked away.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I sighed and reached for my paper cup, but it was empty. “I really need to buy a water bottle. I’m tired of constantly running to the cooler,” I muttered to myself.
The next morning, when I arrived at work, a sleek new water bottle sat on my desk.
A note was attached. “So you don’t have to keep running to the cooler.” I froze.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
What the…?
Someone had overheard me. Someone from this office.
“Want to grab lunch together?” Robert asked, appearing beside me.
“Yeah, sure,” I said, distracted.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Nice bottle,” he said, pointing at it.
“Yeah,” I murmured, picking it up.
“You don’t seem too happy about it. Didn’t you want one?” Robert asked, watching me closely.
I nodded, but my mind kept racing. Something didn’t feel right. Then, it clicked. It was Robert. Robert was my secret admirer.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
He sat next to me every day, close enough to hear my offhand comments. He knew my favorite things.
He had always been kind, always supportive. Who else could it be? It made perfect sense.
I wanted to ask him about it, to confirm my theory. But the presentation was too important.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t let myself get distracted now. My focus had to stay on my project.
On February 14th, we finally presented. The conference room was packed, tension filling the air.
As the discussion began, I listened carefully. Robert’s project came up first.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Then Brian’s. Executives asked questions, debated ideas. But no one mentioned mine. Not once.
“You’ve talked a lot about Robert’s and my projects, but you haven’t said anything about Leslie’s,” Brian suddenly said, his voice steady.
“You think it’s worth discussing?” our boss, Paul, asked, barely glancing at my report.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ouch. That stung.
Brian sat up straighter. “I think it’s the most deserving of the three. It’s obvious Leslie’s project is the best.”
I had to stop my jaw from dropping. Brian, of all people, was defending me?
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I don’t think so,” Robert cut in. “I still believe mine is the best, or at the very least, Brian’s. Men are better architects than women.”
I felt like I had been slapped. Robert, who I had thought was supportive, had said that?
One of the executives finally looked at my project. He flipped through the pages, nodding slowly. “Actually, I think Brian is right. Leslie’s project is the strongest.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
A heated debate followed. People argued back and forth, numbers and strategies thrown around. I held my breath, waiting for the final decision.
Nearly an hour later, we walked out of the conference room.
I had won.
My project had been chosen. Relief and pride flooded through me. I knew I had earned it.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Thanks for speaking up for me,” I told Brian as we walked down the hallway.
He shrugged, hands in his pockets, then kept walking.
I shook my head and turned to Robert. My excitement was quickly fading. “You were acting weird during the presentation. Especially considering how you feel about me.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Robert frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I know you like me. You’re my secret admirer,” I said, crossing my arms.
Robert blinked. “What? Where did you get that idea?”
“Everything fits. Plus, you’re always nice to me,” I said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Robert sighed. “I’m just polite. I have a girlfriend.”
“Oh…” My stomach dropped.
“Yeah. And I still think my project should have won,” he added.
I shook my head. “Learn to accept defeat,” I said and walked away.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
If it wasn’t Robert, then who was it?
Now, my secret admirer scared me even more. What if he had some kind of listening device at my desk? How else did he know everything?
That evening, as I left the office, unease settled in my stomach. Brian’s words kept replaying in my head—that one day, my admirer would be waiting outside.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
When I stepped out and saw a figure standing by the door, my heart stopped. I panicked and screamed.
“Oh my God, Brian! You scared me!” I yelled, my pulse racing.
“Sorry,” he said, shifting on his feet.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“What are you doing here?” I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Waiting outside the office to get rid of you,” he said, his tone unreadable.
“What…?” My confusion deepened.
Brian sighed. “Remember when we talked about your secret admirer, and I said that one day he’d be waiting for you outside?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I interrupted him. “Yeah, but what does that—” I froze. My mind pieced it together. “Wait… it’s you?”
Brian nodded.
Only then did I notice the large bouquet in his hands. Tulips. My favorite.
“But why all of this?” I asked, staring at the flowers.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I figured you needed to see a different side of me. Not just the Brian who teases you,” he said, shifting awkwardly.
“You could have just stopped acting like a jerk instead of scaring me half to death,” I said, narrowing my eyes.
“Yeah… it didn’t go exactly as I planned,” Brian admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“So… you like me?” I asked.
Brian covered his face with his hand. “I’m not good at talking about this,” he muttered.
“I’ve noticed,” I said, smirking.
“…Yeah. I do,” he finally said, avoiding eye contact.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I smiled.
“Well, happy Valentine’s Day,” Brian said, turning to walk away.
“Hey, that’s it?” I called after him. “No invitation to dinner?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Brian hesitated. “You’d actually want that?”
I walked up to him and took his arm. “Well, I do need to get to know this other Brian,” I said.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I was living my ordinary life until one of my students gave me a Valentine. It looked familiar, and when I unfolded it, my heart stopped. It was the card I had written years ago for someone I once loved. I had to know how it ended up in his hands—even if it changed everything.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
Leave a Reply