How to Share Housework

In a typical relationship between two people who live in the same house, one of them probably cares more about housework. If you're the one that cares more, that doesn't mean it's solely your responsibility to keep the house clean. You should initiate a discussion about the sharing of chores with your partner.

Instructions

1. Be assertive and set aside time to discuss household chores. It may take persuasive reasoning to convince them to share the responsibility. Let your partner or roommate know that the issue is important to you.

2. Communicate with love. Be positive and compliment your partner's strong points. Be clear that both parties create the need for housework, and they therefore should participate in completing household chores.

3. Be specific about what needs to be done. Make lists and agree to task assignments ahead of time. Figure out who does what and when.

4. Negotiate standards. Let go of self-righteousness and perfection. Studies show that couples get more done with negotiation and compromise.

5. Have weekly or semi-weekly meetings or create a cleaning schedule. This keeps things current and lessen the opportunity for anger and resentment to build.

Tips & Warnings

• If your partner won't budge, you might have to play hardball. Discontinue activities you know he'll have to do if you don't, like folding his laundry. Maintain and affectionate tone and say, "You're a great person, but I'm not willing to do more than my share, all the time."

• Avoid the discussion when you're upset or angry.