Being Offensive

On Wednesday night I went to a cocktail party at the home of one of my newer friends.  We work together on an advisory board, he's a couple of years older than I am, and I've hung out with him and his wife at least one time previously.  This event was held in his home, which is in my neighborhood. 

His wife is really funny and while I was talking to her I realized that she must not work outside the home.  They don't have any human children.  They're our age.  They both went to UT.  So I was confused when it sounded like she didn't have an office job...

Me:  "I don't know the least offensive way to ask...but are you a housewife?!"

Erin: "Wow, that's the most offensive way to ask."

Doh!