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Doing your chores can be difficult, especially when you’re already living with a significant other. There are so many things to accomplish at home and it can be hard to find time for everything. When you’re in a relationship, it’s important to make sure that both of you have equal responsibilities and duties.
If one person is doing the lion’s share of the household work, then he or she will feel like they don’t have any say in what happens in their own home. It can also lead to resentment if one partner feels as though his or her contribution isn’t being recognized or appreciated by the other. Here are some tips on how to divide chores for a happy relationship:
Make a list of all the household tasks you need to do.
Listing down all the tasks you have to accomplish can make it easier to prioritize them. This way, you won’t get overwhelmed with too much housework. You’ll know which jobs you need to take care of first, and you don’t forget to do any chores. It’s best to think about this ahead of time because once you start working, you may not remember everything you had planned to do.
As a couple, you need to sit down together and think about all the chores you have to accomplish. This helps you take into account everything you need to do and allows you to see whether there are any tasks that you’d rather do alone. If you decide that certain chores should be done separately, then you can assign those specific jobs to someone else.
It’s important to decide who should do what before you begin dividing chores. If there is a big difference between the two people’s abilities, then it might be better to split up the different types of chores. For example, if one person has more experience cooking than another, then he or she could cook while the other cleans the kitchen. But in some cases, it’s also a good idea to switch tasks every now and again. By alternating who does what, you’re able to keep everyone involved and engaged.
Decide who does what.
In addition, you should also take into account any personal commitments your partner may have. A good example of this is if your partner is supporting aging parents at home. When this is the situation, your partner might not have enough time to do their chores. In this case, it would be best to discuss these issues with your partner beforehand.
Set up an accountability system.
It can be difficult to accomplish everything on your to-do list and still find time for yourself. In order to keep track of your progress, set up an accountability system. You need to remind each other of certain chores in case one person forgets something. The simplest form of accountability can be as simple as writing down the name of the task and its due date on a piece of paper. You can also use a calendar app on your phone or computer to write down reminders for each other and even include pictures to help you remember what you need to do.
Try doing chores together.
Setting a time every week to accomplish several chores together can help you stay focused and motivated. You can even set a goal to complete all of your tasks within an hour or two. This way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything when you’re busy trying to finish your chores.
You can also try setting aside a specific area where you and your partner can work together. For example, you can create a designated spot in the living room where you can sit down and watch TV while your partner works on cleaning the kitchen.
Be understanding.
One thing that can cause problems in relationships is when partners aren’t able to understand each other. When you find yourself frustrated about how your partner is doing things, try to stay calm and patient. If you’re upset, you can easily lose control and end up arguing instead of communicating effectively. Instead, focus on being positive and encouraging so that you can both feel your best. Your goal is to work together to make sure that both parties are respected and appreciated.
It’s best to understand each other and work through your concerns about doing chores through proper communication. This will prevent misunderstandings from happening in the first place. If you have a problem with a particular habit or behavior, explain why you think it’s problematic and ask your partner whether they share similar views. By giving them a chance to express their thoughts and feelings, you’ll be able to come up with a solution that works for everyone.
Express gratitude.
To truly show that you appreciate your partner for all his or her hard work, don’t forget to express your gratitude. Even small gestures can make your relationship stronger. Letting your partner know that you value them for their efforts of accomplishing household chores can make him or her feel valued and loved. It’s also a great way to boost self-esteem.
While this can be difficult if you’re not used to expressing appreciation, it doesn’t have to take much effort. Simply saying “thank you” whenever your partner is done with a task can go a long way towards showing your love for him or her. Gratitude can create a space for a more positive relationship and destress you both.
Want to know more about this topic, and feel like you need to reach out for help? We at Path to Hope counseling can help! We offer a free 20-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit, reach out today at pathtohopec@hushmail.com.
