A 2020 Gallup poll reveals that married or partnered heterosexual couples in the U.S. still tend to divide household responsibilities in traditional ways. Women are primarily responsible for tasks like laundry (58%), cleaning (51%), and meal preparation (51%).
This situation is infuriating. Seriously, guys, you’re making it harder for those of us who genuinely believe in equitable partnerships. I’ve dedicated years to advocating for shared responsibilities in parenting and marriage, only to discover that many men are merely paying lip service to the idea of equality. When it comes to actual household chores, however, many are nowhere to be found.
Let’s get real—this isn’t the 1950s anymore. It’s 2020, and women make up nearly half of the workforce in the U.S. Yet they still carry the brunt of household duties. Doesn’t that strike you as fundamentally unfair? It should.
I understand the demands of modern life. Balancing a job, mortgage, car payments, and student loans is no small feat. I experience this firsthand; I work two jobs while my partner, Lisa, is a full-time teacher, constantly engaged in grading and lesson planning. Both parents need to contribute financially, so the excuse of “I bring home the bacon” doesn’t hold water. If your partner also works full-time, you have no valid reason to shy away from household chores.
Who do you think you are? Just last night, I unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, which took 20 minutes. Vacuuming? Another 20 minutes. Folding a load of laundry? Yep, another 20 minutes. I didn’t even break a sweat. In total, it was about the same amount of time it takes to binge an episode of Stranger Things. The result? My partner and I enjoyed some Netflix time together because we both had the time to relax.
It seems to me that many men are comfortable with women’s equality in the workplace but shy away from equal contributions at home. Enough is enough—it’s time to step up. We should be working alongside our partners, whether in the office or at home.
No one expects you to handle all the chores, but if both partners are working outside the home, it’s only fair to split the household duties equally. This is what true equality looks like today, where two incomes are often necessary to make ends meet. Expecting your partner to manage both a job and the majority of household chores is not just unfair; it’s downright disrespectful. This is likely why your partner might be giving you the side-eye or struggling to find time for herself.
Let’s be honest: would you want to be intimate with someone who expects you to carry more than your fair share of the load? That’s probably one of the least attractive traits you could possess.
I envision a world where couples can look at each other and say, “We share the load equally.” But that remains a distant dream for many. Take a look at those percentages again. Sure, some men are doing their part, and that’s commendable. But if you’re among those who still think chores are “women’s work,” it’s time to reevaluate your mindset.
If you’re unsure whether you’re pulling your weight, just ask your partner. She’ll likely have plenty to say on the matter. Be prepared to listen, and make the necessary changes—your relationship might very well depend on it.
For more insights on this topic, check out this post on home insemination and learn more about responsibilities within relationships. For expert advice, visit Intracervical Insemination, or explore Rmany for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
In 2020, many men still fail to share household chores equally, despite advocating for gender equality. This imbalance not only puts strain on relationships but undermines the progress made in the workforce. Men need to step up and evenly divide responsibilities at home, ensuring both partners can enjoy their time together.