Sorry for not posting for a few days. I had to deal with my sick family and then I spent all day yesterday cleaning and disinfecting every part of my home. My hands currently feel like sandpaper, but it will be well worth it if I can keep everyone healthy for awhile.
So that brings me to today's topic. Let me start by saying that I LOVE my husband with all my heart and wouldn't trade him for anything or anyone in the world. He is wonderful in more ways than I have time today to mention (I will enlighten you another day), but there is one specific area where he is lacking.
I hate to admit this, but on Sunday night Mark and I were watching TV and for some reason ended up watching a show called Newlyweds. It was some kind of cross between a reality show and a game show similar to the old Newlywed Game. Anyway, at one point the wives were paired with their mother-in-laws to guess how the husbands rated themselves on a series of subjects. They had to rate themselves A through F. One of the questions was about housework. "How did your husband rate himself on his participation in housework?" One wife/mother-in-law rated the husband a B and he gave himself a C. Another couple was spot on with an A rating and the third was a match with an F rating. So, Mark asks me, "How would you rate me on housework?" I immediately start laughing and he adds, "When you are in a good mood and haven't had a bad weekend because everyone is sick and you have to deal with us."
I then responded, "Well, how would you rate yourself?" "I don't know, maybe a B or C."
I looked at him with that, "you have to be kidding me face" and said, "Regardless of my mood I would rate you a D." Shocked, he asked why. So, I asked him what kinds of things he does for housework.
These are the things he mentioned, only two of which are actually housework:
Take out the trash
Run the dishwasher (meaning put the tab in and run it before he goes to bed, not load or unload)
Change some diapers (maybe a couple a day)
Put Austin to bed
So, I brought it to his attention that those were only two things in about 50 that daily or weekly have to be done around our house. Are you ready for his response? Or better yet, can you guess his response?
"But honey, you are a stay-at-home mom, so that is your JOB."
I glared at him with the "man you just dug yourself a hole" look.
"Oh no, that was not the right thing to say was it? You are going to tell my mom and put this on your blog aren't you?" he grumbled.
So, here it is on the blog, mostly because he gave me the great idea to put it here for all to see.
But, here is where you come in. I would LOVE if you are a stay-at-home mom, or just have an opinion on this matter, to comment on this post and let Mark know what your husband's household responsibilities are or what you think an appropriate amount of work is for the husband of a stay-at-home mom. It is all in good fun so please don't feel bad for Mark...believe me, he can handle it. And should handle it. After all, he rated himself a B or C, so he obviously feels really good about his involvement already.
Have a great day and I look forward to reading your comments on my JOB! Hehehe :)
5 comments:
Sounds like you need to take a two week vacation alone. Then ask Mark that question again.
In my defense, I never rated myself a B...a strong C perhaps but never a B :). I am not that motivated, blessings to those that are and whose job it is :)...I figure, I am already in the dog house, good thing the weather is getting warmer. Love you Susan!
Hey, I really like that definition of being helpful. Susan, if you start turning on Mark's computer a few days each week, maybe then you could add few household responsibilities to his list since you'd be considered a stay-at-home and part-time secretary (hehe).
This is very funny as my husband and I had the same conversation a few months ago and Chad gave the same response, "It was your choice to be a stay at home Mom, so those things are your job.". But in his defense, anything I ask him to do for me, he does: vaccuum, dust, toilets, anything.....although I always do have to ask him. Doing something on his own happens once in a blue moon, but when it does, I am a very happy wife. So husbands, maybe if you do more around the house for your wives, they may be willing to return the favor in other areas of your marriage...... wink, wink! :)
Susan,
I just got my first big break to sit down and read your blog. The stories about the kids are hysterical! I can't believe how big they are getting!
I did want to respond to your request, however old it is. I know I'm not married (yet...) but I have spent significant time visiting Kansas City at Kory's house, so at times we get the whole married life idea going. And I will say this...the man cooks me breakfast every Saturday and then rolls up his sleeves to do the dishes (I dry and put away); then he 409s the entire counter and the stove. He also takes out the trash and cleans the bathrooms. I vacuum, dust and cook general meals. He is one of a kind, I realize that.
And Mark, don't get mad!
Hope you're doing well!
Love,
Jennifer
Post a Comment