When someone mentions the name Albert Einstein, what comes to mind? Genius? Crazy hair? E=MC2? Inventor of the Theory of Relativity? Most people think of him as a scientific genius who was vastly smarter than the average person. That’s true when it comes to scientific thought. Yet, as evidenced by the list of conditions he sent to his wife of 11 years in an attempt to save their marriage, he had a whole lot to learn about keeping a relationship. Here is his list taken from Lists of Note:

CONDITIONS

A. You will make sure:

1. that my clothes and laundry are kept in good order;

2. that I will receive my three meals regularly in my room;

3. that my bedroom and study are kept neat, and especially that my desk is left for my use only.

B. You will renounce all personal relations with me insofar as they are not completely necessary for social reasons. Specifically, You will forego:

1. my sitting at home with you;

2. my going out or travelling with you.

C. You will obey the following points in your relations with me:

1. you will not expect any intimacy from me, nor will you reproach me in any way;

2. you will stop talking to me if I request it;

3. you will leave my bedroom or study immediately without protest if I request it.

D. You will undertake not to belittle me in front of our children, either through words or behavior.

Despite originally signing the agreement, she left shortly after. Who was the smart one here? We’ve all been in relationships where our needs weren’t being met, but really!? You don’t have to be an Einstein to know when it’s time to leave.