PdxMan 4,292 Posted May 3, 2012 There is a difference between men and women. Really ... there is. I am almost certain of this. What is important to a woman, may not be important to a man, and vice verse. These expectations may have been communicated to the other party, but that does not mean the importance of them has been. Lists are great for this. They can be prioritized and certain items starred. Believe me, I don't want to make my wife crazy. I don't want her upset with me and I certainly don't want her making broad, sweeping statements on public forums generalizing me as a dork or a jerk. My list of priorities is different from hers. Communicate this to me and I will do the best I can. While this is posted in the powder Room, the topic still does get posted on the sidebar and the New Content pages, so it is easy for a bumbling man to stumble his way in here. 2 fluffylibra30 and beautifulnewme2012 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lissa 2,631 Posted May 3, 2012 PDX, I wondered what you'd have to say here. You're probably a guy who can handle a list. My STB-ex hated it when I asked for anything, in writing, in person, or in full voice scream. Maybe that's why his status will soon be ex and you're still married to your wife! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beautifulnewme2012 164 Posted May 3, 2012 Lol @ Lisa....my husband kept telling me "just give me a list and I will get it done, whatever it is"....well I was being stubborn and didn't think I should have to give him a list so I didn't. And it went on round and round for a couple of yrs...neither one of us were happy. When I finally broke down and decided it was time for some internal changes I started writing the man lists and I'll be darned if he didn't do everything and then some..LOL 1 MGM reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheetsin 714 Posted May 3, 2012 I'm usually objective to a fault, so is there any other perspective from his side that might lend a different way to see things? Maybe he's been busy and trash isn't his prioroty, or maybe he forgot, or maybe he sees this as an opportuity for some down time for himself and hasn't yet realized how "backed up" things are getting, or... Not trying to defend, nor justify anyone or anything. Just throwing it out there that you have a lot of stuff going on physically & emotionally, and maybe this is a mole hill that suddenly seems like a mountain. My DH pretty much insists on a list. "Clean the kitchen" means nothing, but if I can itemize the steps in "clean the kitchen" he does fairly well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jswilbur 42 Posted May 3, 2012 In defense of men.....I have a saint for a husband, and I thank God for him daily. We take care of my Dad and and Mom, with Dad needing changing, lifting in and out of bed, etc. While I was recovering, he did all this, took care of me, did the laundry, etc., etc. Perhaps this comes from being a bachelor, but I give his Mom much credit, as she raised her boys to be self-sufficient. Having said this, I realize it all men were raised this way! It boils down to communication. It is nice to see men chime in here, too! 2 MGM and Vance_ reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beautifulnewme2012 164 Posted May 4, 2012 @Jswilbur...that man is a keeper!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tmorgan813 13 Posted May 4, 2012 I went through the same thing. My big issue was the cat litter. I clean it three to four times a day. he cleans it once a day. This drove me crazy. Finally I got up and did it myself. He made a comment about me not being able to bend and I respond that if would do what he said he would, I wouldn't be bending. It took me doing the dishes once and he finally got it. Most men are not like women when it comes to keeping things clean. Right now I have three days of dishes that need washing and I'm ready to scream. He said he would clean them tonight. We will see. I say you need to loose it. Not sure his response, but saying because you ask him to do it, he won't is a cop out. F***** that. It took a week or so, but my husband finally got it. Of course, I flipped out. It doesn't help that our emotions are going through changes and it's like the worst PMS they have ever seen. Good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thewinds 7 Posted May 8, 2012 I just have to say something I made this post 6 days out and three days home from surgery I was cranky and just moody I ended up breaking down later that night in the shower and things have been fine since. This is a women's room I figured most women would understand the need to vent emotionally only driven thoughts and frustrations my guy is wonderfully carrying and a great friend and parent to my son. He looks after us and has been cooking what ever I want and helping me a lot but in his own time with the dishes still.... Can't win them all lol 1 MGM reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beautifulnewme2012 164 Posted May 8, 2012 Ellyana I understand completely...Its good to have people to vent to...it seems to make things better when I vent! Vent away!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoMoreFadDiets 2 Posted May 14, 2012 Ya know! You just never know what kind of man you will end up with. My ex husband did some b.s after I had carpal tunnel surgery and couldn't use my hands. Bejeezus it was crazy! Everyone thought he was such a sweetheart because most times he was but most times isn't enough. He had to go. Lol if is had been the one caring for me after WLS, I would be dead. No joke. My boyfriend now of 3 years does the dishes without me ever having to ask. He cooks and clean. Lol Of course you take the good with the bad as we have our issues. I don't usually have to ask but when I do, it's annoying because I suspect he has read my mind because he claims to know me so well. See how this can turn into a vicious circle. I am responsible for my own well being no matter how secure I feel in my relationship. I realize after my ex, just smile, suck it up and do it myself and don't get mad but be glad it's being done right! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DisneyJuju 4 Posted May 25, 2012 I causally mentioned it and his response is if I don't ask him to do dishes or trash he won't ... But when I run the house he's good at saying when it needs clean grr sorry first day where I've felt edges ready to be better You poor sweetie I would have flipped my lid and told him where he could go you know full well we women take care of everything but when we are down a few days they can't do crap I would be pissed you just go in your room watch TV relax and let them be in the mess but you RELAX and take care of YOU :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alliegb3 112 Posted May 29, 2012 Just make a list and tell him, I cannot do these, it hurts me... If you can that's mean a lot.... Men will jump loops for the phrase it hurts me coming from someone they live. The list goes on fridge and he can check off at liberty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites