by Laura Reynolds

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

Housework for husbands? Surely this is a joke. Is it heard of? Yes, but only in science fiction novels. I overheard someone say how her husband once loaded the dishwasher, and then she burst into laugher. I'm not sure if that was the joke or if I missed something.

Husbands should not only share responsibility of the household chores, but they should do it willingly and readily. It is, after all, the woman's responsibility to carry children for NINE LONG MONTHS, but to also actually give birth. We also are responsible for breastfeeding, if possible, and defending ourselves for not breastfeeding when asked. We also deal with massive weight gain during pregnancy, wearing maternity clothes after the birth of our child for a month or two (or three), and the diet that ineveitably happens when the threat of buying a bigger size arises when we realize we have to go back to work.

Oh, and we also have to deal with your mother and the constant reminder that we aren't good enough. That, in and of itself, is enough for you to learn how to turn the vacuum on.

Women deserve a break every once in a while. We are expected to wear so many hats in the household. We are mothers, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, professionals, therapists, doctors, and occasionally we are lawyers standing up for ourselves and our needs.

We don't expect for husbands to cook, clean, work, and change the baby's dirty diaper; however, we would like for you to see that there is dust on the TV. We'd like for you to notice that the cat's hair is starting to layer the carpet. It'd be nice for you to be aware that the Diaper Genie needs to be emptied (assuming you changed diapers in the first place).

Too much to ask? Maybe. But a few chores here and there would be really helpful. Here's the deal. Once a week (your choice!), you vacuum the entire house. Another day (your choice again!), you dust the house. Not bad. If that is all you had to do, it'd be amazing how much happier wives across the country would be.

We know you hold down stressful jobs, take care of us when we cry, and worry about money constantly. A little help goes a long way, though. If you see that the trash is getting overloadedempty it. If you notice a putrid smell coming from Baby.change him. If you think you want to get lucky' this week.clean the kitchen (this does, however, include wiping down the counters). All these are ideas for you to use as your very own to make your wife happy.

This whole business about "women's work" is garbage, and we believe you know it.

Now, go clean the toilet and be happy about it.

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