Housework. You know what I'm going to say.

[OnionPatch]

I've been getting the shaft on this for years because I have been working only part-time while my husband works full-time. I've been doing ALL of the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, household errands, school stuff, pet care, etc. All he does is the traditional men's work, like mowing the grass, fixing appliances, etc. but this doesn't add up to a fraction of the time I spend doing housework. Starting next week my work hours will be increased to 6 hours a day. I have decided that I am NOT going to be doing all the housework anymore. But I know he is so spoiled, it's going to be hard to get him to change. Any advice on how to approach this subject without getting into a big argument? How do I get him to do more around the house? Any tips?

[Longhorn]

1. I would just let him know that since you will be working more,

you can no longer handle all of the housework yourself. You have two choices -- either he takes on some of the chores or you hire help. I pay about $100 every two weeks to get my house cleaned (and it's a pretty big house.) I would do a more thorough job but I don't have the energy.

We now have an empty nest (plus five dogs!) My husband does the dishes, takes out the trash and recycling, cleans the pool, and usually mows the lawn, though he sometimes hires help. I do the laundry and ironing and run the household (i.e. insurance, taxes, vet trips, Christmas shopping, etc.) We both do the grocery shopping and cooking (what little we do.) When I was a stay-at-home mom with four kids, I pretty much did everything, even the lawn, but he was also working nearly every waking moment. Our responsibilities have evolved as our lives have changed.

I hope it all works out for both of you! :hi:

[OnionPatch]

2. I asked him yesterday which chore he wants to take on.

And he said he's all for letting the house just be messier. I can't live like that, though, so I probably will hire someone. I have hired someone to clean before and it was worth every penny. Thanks for reminding me of this option. I think I could probably get him to cook some, too. I'll definitely have to plan the meals for him, though, or we'll be eating his famous 4-course meals.....ribs, chicken, steak and beer. ;)

[DawgHouse]

3. Good solution!