Rebecca finally convinced her husband Paul to go to marital counseling, but it was finally on the condition that he would get to pick the counselor. Her alarm bells had gone up immediately, but when she investigated this "Doctor Bell" she found that he had glowing reviews from dozens, if not hundreds of couples. They all said that he had made their relationships happier and healthier. Maybe Paul was finally taking responsibility for their relationship.
Mostly, Rebecca was hoping that some outside influence in their relationship could see the one-sided nature of it. Rebecca did all the chores, made all the food, and even worked a steady job. Paul worked, but when he got home he just laid on the couch watching TV or made passes at her sexually. He never contributed to the household. Rebecca was hoping that some outside voice could speak reason to him.
So they went to Dr. Bell. He was a young man, which alarmed Rebecca at first, but his smile was warm and he welcomed them into his office. Rewards, certificates, and even multiple diplomas lined the walls, but above all of that it was his comforting voice that seemed to set Rebecca most at ease. She and Paul settled down onto the couch across from Dr. Bell.
"So, Rebecca, why don't you start," Dr. Bell said. "Talk me through what's been bothering you."
And Rebecca talked. She talked about the dishes, the garbage, making dinner, cleaning bathrooms, even going to get the car washed. And she talked about Paul's laziness, and uncaringness, and how it felt like she was only one who ever tried in their partnership.
After the first ten minutes, Rebecca started to see Dr. Bell's eyes glaze over, like he was bored. She started to get frustrated and was about to say something about it when Dr. Bell said, "Alright, you can stop talking now." Rebecca's mouth snapped shut. She was angry at being dismissed in such a casual way, but when she thought about all the things she would say about it, her mouth just refused to cooperate. She sat there silently.
Dr. Bell turned to Paul and said, "I see what you mean, man." He grinned a grin that was better suited for a frathouse than a counseling session. Rebecca stood, outraged, but even still she couldn't bring herself to voice her rage.
"Sit down," Dr. Bell said and Rebecca immediately sat.
"I think what the problem is," Dr. Bell said to Rebecca, "is that you are too demanding. You ask too much, and you don't realize that Paul has earned the right to sit on the couch after work. It's not his responsibility to do chores all day long."
Of course, Dr. Bell was right and Rebecca knew it. Paul worked hard and had earned the right to do whatever he wanted to after work to relax. She wondered why she had bitched about it so much. Was she just lazy and trying to get out of work?
"On top of that, you talk way too much," Dr. Bell continued. "Women are meant to be seen and not heard. You flap your mouth way too much and should be ashamed of yourself for it."
And Rebecca was. She was so ashamed. Why did she have to talk so much. Why couldn't she just keep her big mouth shut like a good woman was supposed to? Shame poured over her.
"So here's what I think you should do," Dr. Bell said. "When you get home from work, make your husband whatever he wants for dinner. Do the chores without complaining. If he wants a beer, it's your job to go to the fridge and get him a beer. Clean up after him and don't nag all the time. It's not hard, it's just called being a good wife. Will you be a good wife to your husband, Rebecca?"
Rebecca, still finding it hard to speak, nodded fervently.
"Good," Dr. Bell said with a smile. "There are exceptions to the 'no speaking', of course. Responses of submission, such 'Yes sir' are acceptable times to speak. When inquiring how best to serve you husband, you may speak, so long as the intention of your communication is his pleasure or benefit. And, naturally, if your husband likes dirty talk in the bedroom then its your right—in fact, your duty—to oblige him. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," Rebecca nodded.
"Good," Dr. Bell continued. "Now, earlier I said that women are meant to be seen and not heard. Let's talk more about that." Rebecca leaned in, listening with all of her focus at the gospel that was coming out of Dr. Bell's mouth. "Women are, by nature, sexual beings. You were made for sex. It's in your DNA and the happiest women are the ones who lean into that sexual identity as much as possible. That means dressing provocatively. That means getting in shape. If your husband prefers, that means surgery to amplify that visual appear. I mean, look at you. Did you even try today?"
Rebecca was again ashamed. She had worn very professional clothes that covered most of her skin. There was no cleavage, no midriff, and no leg. It wasn't even very loose so that her figure could be seen. And the most grievous offence, she knew, was her plain white underwear underneath it all. Not sexy at all.
"No sir," Rebecca said meekly.
"Stand up," Dr. Bell said and immediately Rebecca was on her feet. "Take off all that rubbish so we can get a good look at you."
Rebecca stripped, immediately discarding the blouse and pants she had worn in. The uninspired underwear was quick to follow. She stood naked, trying to look as pleasing as possible before Her Man and Dr. Bell.
"Paul, I think I've been talking too much," Dr. Bell said, stepping back. "Why don't you go and tell your wife what you like and don't like about her body, her wardrobe, and all of that. Go on, Paul. This is a safe place and you should be honest with her." Dr. Bell turned back to Rebecca, "Remember carefully what he says to you. If your responsibility to please him, which means becoming that perfect sexual being for him."
