Q My wife is a doctor, and I am a freelance writer. People frequently say things like, “Must be nice to have a wife who can support you.” I make quite a bit more money than my wife — I’m pretty successful in my field, and my wife works for a nonprofit clinic — but people assume she’s supporting us both.

So, do I correct people’s assumptions? I’ve tried a couple of retorts like, “It’s nice being married to my wife for non-financial reasons” or, sarcastically, “Yep, the only reason I stay with her is for the money,” but I’m wondering if I should just let people assume. — Should I let it go?

A I think it’s hard to let ignorant assumptions go unchallenged, especially those steeped in bias and served with a side of smug — but I also think there’s no victory to be had, moral or factual, in rewarding butters-in.

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