Let’s start with a little haiku:
What in the fresh chaos,
Are you really that lazy?
Yes, I think you are.
My partner is truly one of a kind. In the decade we’ve shared, I can barely recall a moment when he raised his voice at me, let alone exhibited any unsavory behavior that might send any sensible woman running for the hills. He’s loyal, loving, clever, engaging, sentimental, generous, and, most importantly, an incredible father who relishes spending time with our kids. He’s got a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh, and he wakes up in a good mood, which makes him a joy to be around. He provides for our family and cherishes our marriage, and these are the things I remind myself of each day.
Because when I get up in the morning and survey the scene, I often find myself thinking, “What the heck?”
Are those the same baby bottles that were soaking in soapy water last night, now languishing in tepid, germ-laden water? Is that a dirty diaper casually resting next to the changing table? Didn’t I just tidy up all those toys yesterday, the ones now scattered across the floor? Is the TV still blaring? Did the cat really decide to leave a surprise in my closet because the litter box, the one I asked you to clean, was left untouched?
And are those your pants on the bathroom floor, which you stepped over on your way out, after leaving the toilet in less than desirable condition? Oh, and your shirt, just a foot away from the laundry basket—really?
I appreciate your good hygiene, but what kind of morning ritual leaves the mirror, counters, and floors drenched? Did you really pull out your toothbrush and toothpaste this morning? I know you did because I put them back in their place every day! And is it too much to ask to put the toothpaste cap back on, along with your deodorant and aftershave?
Speaking of which, I find your wet towel on my side of the bed charming… not.
But hey, when you get home to take over with the kids and household chores while I retreat to my office to work, I know there’s some chocolate I left there—the same chocolate you gifted me for Mother’s Day. You didn’t just eat my Mother’s Day chocolate right off my desk, did you?
Now, about the fridge: one does not simply leave an empty juice jug inside. And when you leave just a teaspoon of salsa and say, “I saved you some,” that’s not how it works—just eat the whole jar! Pesto is not a dip, either. If I don’t finish my dinner out, it doesn’t mean it’s your midnight snack. And who eats baby food? Babies, that’s who. Don’t even get me started on how pricey baby cookies are—those are not for you!
Let’s go over some basics that seem to be piling up:
- Trash: it goes in the trash can. If you can manage that, then emptying it is not a game to see how much you can cram in until the lid barely closes. “Change it” means put in a new bag and take the full one out to the garage, right next to the recycling bin. Ever heard of that? That’s where the stack of boxes should be, not piled up beside the door in the garage for weeks.
- Cups: I use those too! Why do we wait until there’s only one cup left before you bring in a dozen filthy ones from your truck, complete with rotted coffee at the bottom? Get it together!
- Your truck: is not a trash can. It shouldn’t take a 15-minute clean-up just to make a spot for me to sit. And what is that smell? I transport two kids in my car and have never encountered anything like that.
- Your dresser: it’s meant for folded clothes. I wash, dry, and fold them, so why does it look like a tornado hit when I open a drawer? You needed the shorts at the bottom, I get it, but the rest didn’t deserve that treatment.
- If you’re going to “help” by putting away clothes, don’t take my socks! And I know my underwear isn’t huge, but how do they end up in our daughter’s drawers?
- The washing machine is heavy-duty but not designed to hold four loads at once. One word: separate.
- Also, a “project” should get completed. Each one requires a new, expensive power tool, which shouldn’t be stored out in the rain on the patio table. And I suspect we wouldn’t “need to buy one” if the other tools weren’t lost in that disorganized pit called the garage, which I thought was your responsibility, along with the trash and litter box—but we know how that goes.
I’d share more, but I’m exhausted. Just because I stayed up later than usual doesn’t mean you should let our 4-year-old dictate the bedtime routine. Put her to bed. That’s all. Good night.
If you want more on this topic, check out our other blog posts, including how to navigate home insemination at intracervicalinsemination.com and get insights from makeamom.com for the best home insemination kits. For additional information on pregnancy and insemination, Healthline has excellent resources.
In summary, communication in a partnership is vital for maintaining harmony. Regularly addressing household chores, personal space, and mutual respect ensures a balanced and loving environment.