Think your spouse, or significant other, will never lend a hand when it comes to organizing or housework? Believe it or not, there are ways to effectively work on this age-old dilemma.

1. Don't complain. Very often, when a spouse asks for help, he or she does it in the form of a complaint. 'I have to do everything around here.' 'You're always sitting on the couch doing nothing.' 'I'm sick of doing all the chores by myself.' Gripes and complaints often make the person on the receiving end angry and defensive. Instead, replace complaints with requests. For example: 'I could really use your help clearing off the table. Would you lend me a hand?' 'Would you please put the clothes in the dryer when the washer cycle is finished? I would so appreciate it.'

2. Have a heart-to-heart. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone did tasks around the house without being asked? Believe it or not, some families have managed to achieve this phenomenon. But, if your partner hasn't quite caught onto this concept, it may be time for a heart-to-heart talk with him or her. Are you feeling that it would be so much easier if your spouse put the clothes she takes off at night, in the hamper? Or would life be so much grander if he would just wash his dish and glass after a midnight snack? If so, stop dreaming or wishing, and instead, take a few moments to share your feelings with your spouse. Sometimes, a good heart-to-heart conversation is all it may take to make your wishes come true.

3. Accept 'less than perfect.' When your spouse pitches in, it's very important to compliment his or her efforts--even if the job is less than perfect. 'Thanks so much for washing the car tonight. It looks fabulous!' 'I can't tell you how much I appreciate you ironing those shirts. You did a great job!' This may take a little getting used to, especially if you've been doing something YOUR way for years. But, ask yourself how important it really is for the towels to be folded perfectly, or for the glasses to line up in the cabinet just so. The important thing is that your spouse is helping. Tasks are getting done. And there will be lots more time for the two of you.

4. Split up the tasks. Make a list of the weekly household tasks that need to be done, along with the approximate time each should take. Then, distribute those responsibilities between you both, and among any children in your family. Sometimes, this could cause a bit of a controversy if one person works out of the home, and the other stays home to take care of the home and the kids. The one person may say, 'The household responsibilities are yours, because I have to work at the office, store, restaurant, or factory all day.' The problem is, in most cases, the person at home is working just as hard. If this is the case, many of the main chores will already be completed by the time the spouse arrives home. But, perhaps the person who works outside of the home, is then responsible for some basic chores when she or he arrives home each night. Like maybe that person is responsible for walking the dog, drying the dishes, and throwing out the trash each evening.

5. Break tradition. Tradition has often dictated that some chores are for women (dusting, ironing, folding laundry) and some chores are for men (washing the car, mowing the lawn, brushing the dog). But just because it's tradition, doesn't mean it has to be that way of life for you. For instance, perhaps your spouse currently mows the lawn, but would prefer being inside watching the basketball game. And maybe, you currently fold the laundry, but you'd much rather be outside enjoying the fresh air and listening to some uplifting music. How about you take the car to the car wash, while you're listening to your music, and your spouse folds laundry while watching the football game?

6. Alternate, swap or choose tasks. Alternate: Alternate doing jobs you both dread. This way, you get a break at least half of the time from the chore you don't like doing. Swap: Offer to do one of her jobs, if she does one of your jobs. Choose: Vow to each other that you'll each do 3 tasks per night from your list of tasks. You both get to pick and choose which chores you prefer doing.

7. Work for one hour, Celebrate for two! Choose a consistent time each night, that you and your significant other work on specific tasks around the home. Set a timer and work for exactly one hour. When the timer goes off, stop working and do something fun and/or relaxing together for the next two hours. The pending reward each night, can be something you both look forward to!

P.S. To get out of a rut, and find more happiness and joy in your life, you need to take action. Discover how to be... Happy For Life!

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the DECEMBER 2021 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the DECEMBER Issue...

Positive Changes Require Action
Thinking about making changes is not the same as actually making them. Action is key for accomplishing change

I Can See Clearly Now
It's easy to take our eyes for granted and to put off measures to keep them healthy. Here are 13 ways to take care of our eyes and vision

The Beauty of Art Journaling
This form of self-expression allows your creative side to shine through

Organize Your Handbag
An organized purse makes life easier when you're on-the-go

Top 10 Winter Must-Dos
Do these for an organized, prepared, stress-free winter

Making Social Media a Positive Part of Your Life
5 ways to ensure you're using social media for positivity and connectedness

Quick, Creamy Tomato Soup
This recipe has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes

Spotting Fads
Fads can drain your wallet and add to your clutter

2022 Countdown
Put your best foot forward as you step into the new year

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on DECEMBER 3: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. Do today's task on my November Monthly Organizing Checklist. The November 28 TO DO focuses on your socks/hosiery. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my November Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Delegate one of your TO DOs. What can you get another family member or co-worker to do to ease your workload? Or can you farm something out to hired help?

___ 3. Don't do it all alone. To ensure that hosting guests for the holidays doesn't become stressful, I'm a big believer in doing this... Visit: GetOrganizedNow.com to access my Dirty Little Secret on this topic.

'Marriage is not just spiritual communion. It is also remembering to take out the trash.' (Dr. Joyce Brothers)

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comments, suggestions, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2021 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

* Copyright, contact and reprint information:
getorganizednow.com/contact.html

* You signed up to receive our Idea-Kit and/or our Newsletter at our Get Organized Now! Web site. We never add names unless you have voluntarily opted in.

* We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.

* If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in this newsletter, or any of my communications, I may receive compensation. Still, I only recommend what I truly believe in and share with my friends and family. If you ever have an issue with anything I recommend, please let me know. I want to make sure I am always serving you at the highest level.

* To subscribe, visit:
getorganizednow.com/free-ezine.html


* To unsubscribe, if you absolutely must go, please click the link below. However . . .

YIKES! - If you unsubscribe, you'll lose all the complimentary organizing resources I share with my loyal readers each week. You'll lose the tips, reader ideas, reader clinics, complimentary videos, ebooks, resource recommendations, and the many valuable bonuses I offer each month. Please don't go. I love sending you all of this free training. I'd be lost and lonely without you. If there is something more you would like from my newsletters, then please reply to this email and let me know.
-- Maria Gracia