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How to Fairly Distribute Household Chores As A Couple

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By delorean88
User-Submitted Article
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Household chores can build responsibility and individuality in a relationship, or they can be a nightmare of repetitive labor. Here's how to divide household chores as a couple.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Don't divide your chores along outdated gender stereotypes. Even though stereotypes are convenient, they don't make anyone happy. A lot of men can cook better then their female partners, and a lot of women are better at hammering nails. That's just the way it works. Relying on a stereotypical division of labor is frustrating, and causes discord in any relationship.

  2. Step 2

    Assess what the "chores" actually are. Your partner may think that sweeping the floor is a "chore," while you've always just thought of it as sweeping the floor. Understanding what your partner perceives as meaningful household chores is the first step to a fair division of labor. Communicate with your partner about what chores you think should be done over the course of a day, a week, and a month.

  3. Step 3

    Keep chores separate from your income levels. If you both work, yet you make less income then your partner, you shouldn't have to compensate by doing all the chores. Share the chores because you share the household.

  4. Step 4

    A lot of "chore fights" occur because one partner demands the other do a chore that he or she finds completely meaningless. This could be something like dusting the blinds, or vacuuming under the couch. If you have esoteric chore demands, do them yourself, and let your partner do a task that they do understand.

  5. Step 5

    Do your chores at regular intervals. Don't let them stack up, and then do them all at once in a fit of desperation or anger. Have fun when you do chores, and your partner will be relieved, and have fun to. Lead by example, and be sure to show your partner that you can do all the chores they do, so there is no imbalance of labor.

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