by Mark Hart

Created on: October 08, 2009   Last Updated: October 09, 2009

Helping around the house is not the first thing that pops into a guy's head when he contemplates a morning of fun, productivity or excitement. For that matter, neither is it a women's favorite activity. Nevertheless, housework is a responsibility those of us not able to afford regular housekeeping must eventually take on if we wish to avoid living in a disaster zone. But, as we shall soon see, there are several 'upsides' to housework for the man who knows how to work along side his partner in life.

At the outset, I must admit that if both parties to a marriage are lazy slobs (and you know who you are!), it is almost certain you will begin your marriage in clutter, raise children in more clutter, and leave behind a legacy of clutter. You may not actually die under an avalanche of old magazines and newspapers, but your children will likely grow up to be clutter-bugs who perpetuate the species. Therefore, if you can't work out from under the pile, you should strive to be successful at work so you can afford a housekeeper. Otherwise, a happy marriage may not be yours and you will never be able to find things when you need them.

And don't forget that many women also work outside of the home. Just out of simple fairness, it would be wrong to assume the housework is her sole responsibility. Unless there is agreement otherwise (e.g., he does outside chores while she does inside chores), we should not expect our wives to come and clean house by themselves after working all day. On the other hand, be careful to avoid the "50-50" rule where "you do your 50% of the work and I'll do mine." Keeping score only leads to resentment when the other inevitably fails to do his or her fair share. Rather, both partners should seek to outdo one another in kindness, respect, love and effort around the home.

The first benefit for men who help with housework is companionship. Next to sex, most men look to their wives as their primary source of companionship and emotional intimacy. Fishing is fine and golf is great, but isn't it more fun to share them with your wife at your side rather than ol' Barney? Didn't we marry with the idea of going through life together, of facing the giants together, and of helping to support each other when life seems overwhelming. Couples do not start marriage out searching for refuge from an irate spouse but eventually, after years of resentment have built up walls of pain and emotional isolation, both partners can start to feel trapped.

Another benefit of

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