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Love Q&A: Splitting the Work?

Q.

The Nest Q&A I work longer hours than my guy, so shouldn't he do more of the grocery shopping, laundry, waiting for the cable guy, etc.?

A.

Sounds fair to us, but does it to your guy? Because it's essential that couples have a fair division of labor, there's no one set way to work out a reasonable deal. Maybe he's happy to handle everything except for the hardcore housework, and you don't mind wielding the Swiffer. Or, perhaps, he wishes you'd wait for the plumber now and then. Go over your weekly calendars on Sunday nights, and try to plan who will do what and when. As long as you're both pitching in, you'll find an arrangement that feels right and has the flexibility to change over time. "I may be more busy one week and vice versa," says Anna Hartman of Boston, "so we just take it week by week and try to split the work up so that no one is overwhelmed."

-- The Nest Editors

Jul 12, 2010

See More: Couple Issues , Love & Sex , Newlywed Central

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