I have a way to get my husband to help with chores and cleaning around the house without nagging at all. My secret is a list. Each week, I make a two-column list on my computer. In the left column, I type out tasks/chores I'm responsible for, and on the right, I type out tasks/chores he's responsible for. I always ensure the number of tasks on the list and the time involved in doing them evens out between us both, and I always take into consideration his schedule (like if he's on a business trip that week which happens now and then or if he's not feeling well, etc.). On those weeks, I may take on a little more...and the same goes the other way around if I have to work overtime or if I'm feeling under the weather.

I then print out the list and we review it together. On occasion, we make minor adjustments. I then put the list on the fridge with a magnet.

Throughout the week, we do our tasks and cross them off the list. As long as both of our tasks are all crossed off by the time Saturday rolls around (which they usually are because my husband is a very competitive person), we reward ourselves with a nice dinner out, or a movie date.

Doing this has really helped our relationship...and ensures both of us are keeping the house in order. Plus, we almost always get a weekly date night out of it!

This fabulous reader tip was submitted by...

Summer G., Scottsdale, AZ

Most women live in a state of constant anxiety, wondering if he REALLY loves you, if he's looking at or thinking about other women, if he's cheating. If your man is barely paying attention to you and has lost all his sense of romance, it's time to do something about it. Visit:

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-wma.html

Scroll further down in this newsletter for more details.

Twenty-six years ago, my 50 year old husband died unexpectedly. After that, I would go out into the garage in the middle of the night after our 5-year old son was asleep and sort and organize my husband's things in ascending order like wrenches, sockets, drill bits, etc. It wasn't mindless as I am sure you will agree converting all fractions to common denominators of 64 took effort, but until some progress was made I couldn't sleep. I was to the point of thinking I was ready for mental collapse.

Within three months, I had painted all the interior walls and ceiling and had new carpet installed. I thought I was going crazy and talked to a counselor. She assured me it was very normal and my actions proved that I had accepted the event and was trying to move on by organizing or 'nesting.'

I thought someone in a similar situation would find some peace with my experience.

Submitted by...

Vicky Cash

A GON Reader Asks

My husband is always asking me what I want for Valentine's Day. We've been married for over 20 years. You'd think he could surprise me by now...and actually get me something I'd like. I always tell him exactly what I want and he gets that gift for me. This year, I'm feeling I should let him fend for himself. Your thoughts?

--Rosa G., Los Angeles, CA

Maria Gracia Responds

Hi Rosa,

Let me start with your husband. He may have a very good reason for asking you, rather than surprising you.

Not everyone is a good gift giver even if they've known (and/or lived with) their gift recipient for years. Your husband may feel that it's more practical to ask. By doing so, there will be no chance of him getting you something you didn't really need or that you might not enjoy.

It's possible he thinks that 'you want him' to ask, since this has been the method over more than 20 years.

It's possible that his method is the same method his own mother and father used to exchange gifts. He may feel, if it worked for them, it will work for both of you.

So, try to understand what his reasons are. Now, this doesn't mean you have to live with those reasons...but it does often help to understand.

If you want to be surprised and you decide to let him 'fend for himself,' when he asks you what you want say, 'I would love it if you surprise me this year. That would really make me happy.'

If he goes into complete panic, consider giving him some direction. 'Maybe you can call my sister for some thoughts about what you can get me. I'm sure she would give you a hand.' Or, 'I would really love a romantic night or weekend out. Maybe you can plan one for us. My schedule is completely open next month on this date... and I don't want to know what we're doing until that date.'

If he says, 'Ok' then WHATEVER he gets you, be gracious and extremely appreciative of the gift and his efforts. Again, not everyone is a good gift giver and some are horrible at planning surprises, so if you're not willing to help him out, be extra appreciative of whatever you get. In this case, you may think twice about having him fend for himself next Valentine's Day.

Then again, he may actually be a good gift giver and get you something you really like...in which case, your problem is solved.

What this is really all about is communication. If you're feeling that you want to be surprised for Valentine's Day, you have to let him know...in a kind, loving way. Once he knows, then you'll both have the opportunity to give the idea a whirl.

Good luck and don't forget to write to me after Valentine's Day and let me know how this all turned out. I will be hoping and praying you don't receive a vacuum or tickets to a basketball game...unless those are both things you really want!

Maria

GON Cleaning Secrets: Putting a clutter project off? Tackle it this week...
getorganizednow.com/cleaning-secret-clutter-project.html



GON Did You Know?: The day and time couples tend to argue the most

getorganizednow.com/didyouknow-couples-argue.html





Dirty Little Secret: Do this and you'll make weeding out your clothes closet a whole lot easier...

getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-weed-out-closet.html




Mini Challenges: Did you make a resolution to get organized this January? How's it going? This week's challenges are designed to help you get a batch of organizing TO DOs done before the end of the month. Here goes.
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-todos-done.html




Article: 19 words even smart people mispronounce

getorganizednow.com/guest-article-words-mispronounce.html



In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...


Too much time on the phone? How many times do you think, on average, people swipe, click, and tap their smart phones? And how many hours per day would you estimate the average person spends on his or her smart phone each day? Find out on our home page. Visit:
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January Monthly Checklist: How organized has your January been so far? Check out our January 2018 Organizing Checklist and get tons done! Your TO DOs have already been thought- out for you. Access it from my home page.
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Theme of the Week: Our theme of the week is 'ability' and my home page quotes reflect that.
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'It's not the surprise that matters, it's how you react to it.'

--Innocent Mwatsikesimbe, What Is Love? - A Collection Of Poems


I'd love to hear from you.
Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

Captivate Your Man, Make Him Fall In Love, and Want To Give You The World!

If you want to be the kind of woman he simply can't resist (and would never even consider leaving) I recommend you go check out this page now...

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-wma.html

Here's what this is all about...

Have you ever wondered why some women manage to keep their men faithful, loyal, loving, romantic and just plain crazy about them, while so many others don't? You're certainly not alone.

The fact is (and my email inbox can attest to this) that most women live in a state of constant anxiety, wondering if he REALLY loves you, if he's looking at or thinking about other women, if he's cheating.

But there is a way that you can get your man basically ADDICTED to you. Bob Grant has put together a special program that teaches you how to become the woman of his dreams, even if he barely pays attention to you now. I've reviewed the doctor's program and, frankly, it's excellent. I wouldn't recommend it to you if it wasn't.

Go check out the link below and discover for yourself how easy it is to heal your relationship and have the man of your dreams.

You can either watch the video...or simply read the text version. Do yourself a favor before Valentine's Day, and get your hands on this resource. Visit:

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-wma.html

(c) Copyright 2018 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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