As we approach Labor Day in the U.S., it is a good time to talk about how the two of you divide the household chores.
Although it wasn't always this way in our home, Bob now does the cooking around here and I take responsibility for cleaning the kitchen. Bob does the laundry and I fold and put clothes away. But if one of us is not feeling well or feels overwhelmed by other things we are doing, we are both willing to step in and get the chore done. It works for us.
We think it is important that you discuss what is important to you both and what isn't when it comes to a clean house, handling finances, taking care of the yard and vehicles, childcare, and mealtimes. As you set your priorities as a couple when it comes to chores, be considerate of one another's body clocks and don't try to control how your spouse does a chore.
And don't nag!
I love your choice of topic around Labor Day. My wife and I were just discussing over the weekend how we have settled into very defined roles in our household chores/home management. For the most part, this is great as we have things balanced comfortably.
However, I think we could more often do as you have suggested and “chip in” a little extra effort to give each other a needed break. I even venture to guess my wife would find this romantic!
Dustin
EngagedMarriage.com
This is called division of labour in economics