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I’m trying not to be a nag

User Profile: luu87
luu87 June 16th, 2021

My husband and I have very different definitions of what qualifies as “clean” I’m very meticulous, particular, and a little over the top. I realize this. He on the other hand will leave cabinets open, won’t load the dishwasher, leaves clothes on the floor, etc. I wouldn’t say he’s a slob, he’s just not... me. Recently he expressed that I “nag” (my words) him too much about little things like closing the cabinets. In this conversation he was able to express himself really well, which usually isn’t the case. Usually we just fight until he gives in. But this time he stated he’s feeling very stressed with everything. We just bought a new home, I’m working less because I’m in school, and he has a pretty stressful job. He said he’s feeling overwhelmed and is doing the best he can. That he doesn’t have the bandwidth to worry about the dishwasher or the cabinets. I thanked him for being so open and honest and I told him I would try to not sweat the small stuff. But now that the conversation is over I’m feeling annoyed. I’m in nursing school, I also have a very stressful medical job that’s also a leadership position. I too feel the stress of our new home. But I still keep the house clean and I do all the little stuff. What if I’m overwhelmed? How do I support him and his limits yet not become resentful??

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User Profile: Daydreamer47
Daydreamer47 June 17th, 2021

@leeluu87 I am sorry you are struggling with this. Your feelings are valid. I think that it is reasonable in a partnership that both partners make an effort to help out at home, although possibly with some acceptance when things are not completely perfect all the time. Have you thought about making a chore chart or maybe a list of things that are highest priority for you (like dishes, trash, laundry) and maybe some lower priority things that are more "deep cleaning" that can happen less often? I feel like also keeping those "I statements" to express that you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed too and are looking for mutual support.