The house that my husband and I had lived in for two years now was never quite my cup of tea. I was agreeable, and poor, so it was really whatever he wanted. My aunt told me that he should've included me more when it came to picking it out.

"A man should always place a woman in charge of the home," she'd say. "A real man at least." I'd stifle a laugh and softly shrug. My mother, on the other han...