While grabbing my wife’s phone to check the time, I saw a message from her sister, Mira: “At least the money’s good. I’d die if he was dirty and broke. 
”
I scrolled up, reading more: “He looks like he rolled in an oil spill” and “I miss men who wear suits.” My chest tightened. I work long hours as a mechanic to give her the life she enjoys, and this is how she talks about me?
I decided to stop making things so easy for her. I stopped taking her car for detailing, stopped paying when she went out with friends, and stopped surprising her with flowers. She noticed and soon asked me to check her car. I replied, “Maybe you should find a mechanic who doesn’t look like an oil spill.”
Days later, Mira showed up at my shop, asking for help with her car. I reminded her, “You should find someone in a suit to fix it.” I showed her the screenshots of her messages, and she was speechless. I charged her double my usual rate for “dirty” mechanic work.
Later, my wife confronted me. I revealed that I saw the messages and asked, “Why should I keep breaking my back for a life where I’m disrespected?” She admitted she didn’t think about it that way, but I made it clear: respect is more important than anything.
A week later, she came to the shop, apologized, and promised to never take me for granted again. This experience reminded me that hard work deserves respect, no matter what job you do. Never forget the value of those who make your life easier.
If you agree, share this story to remind others to appreciate the hard workers in their lives.
