Albert Einstein created a list in 1941 for his wife, Mileva Maric, as their marriage was nearing collapse. Recognizing that his relationship with one of the first women to study mathematics and physics in Europe was beyond repair, Einstein attempted to salvage their bond by presenting a list of demands.
The physicist suggested that they stay together for the sake of their two sons, Hans and Eduard, but under strict conditions. He outlined that Mileva had to abide by these rules to continue living together.
The list, however, did not have the desired impact. A few months later, Mileva moved to Zurich with their children, leaving Einstein behind in Berlin. The couple officially divorced in 1919, after living apart for five years.
Here is the list of conditions Albert Einstein presented, which he believed could save his marriage:
Conditions:
A. You will ensure the following:
- That my clothes and laundry are kept in good order;
- That I will receive my three meals regularly in my room;
- That my bedroom and study are kept neat, especially that my desk is for my use only.
B. You will renounce all personal relations with me unless completely necessary for social reasons. Specifically, you will forgo:
- My sitting at home with you;
- My going out or traveling with you.
C. You will obey the following points in your relations with me:
- You will not expect any intimacy from me, nor will you reproach me in any way;
- You will stop talking to me if I request it;
- 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.
Einstein later found solace in his second marriage to his cousin Elsa, whom he married in 1919. However, this marriage too faced challenges, with Elsa passing away in 1936, leaving Einstein to face another difficult period in his life.
