After 23 years of marriage, Mary just wanted one night out with her husband, Jack. Tired and overlooked, she hoped to reconnect—but Jack cruelly refused, saying he was embarrassed by her appearance. Crushed, Mary watched him walk out the door. Jack went to his friend Sam’s house, expecting a fun night out, but Sam had other plans—a date night with his radiant, joyful wife. Jack was stunned by how happy she looked and asked why.

Sam replied, “Because I choose to make every day special for her. That’s what love needs—effort.” The words hit Jack hard. He realized how he’d taken Mary for granted for years. When he got home, he saw her tear-streaked face and felt deep shame. “I’m sorry,” he said, offering her a small gift and asking her out to dinner. Mary, surprised, smiled genuinely for the first time in years.