I have a pretty great husband. He isn't the best at taking initiative in helping out around the house with things that need to be done, but he is more than willing to help out when I ask him to. I have to admit, I laugh when I ask him if he can swing by the grocery store and ask for something and what would be a quick stop for me is a challenge for him. I tend to receive phone calls from him while he's at the grocery store asking for some sort of clarification, no matter how extensive my directions to him are before he leaves the house.
I've learned that there were certain things he grew up not even learning how to do because he was a boy. Likewise, there were chores he did that his sisters didn't have to do because they were girls.
The idea is kind of fascinating to me. Why can't a girl learn how to change a tire, change her oil, mow the lawn, pick up dog poop in the yard, or take out garbage cans? Likewise, why can't a boy learn how to change a diaper, cook, wash dishes, sew a button, or do the laundry?
I commented on Facebook last night that I had just mowed for the first time in probably 3 years. I've mowed at our house, but I don't think I have since I got pregnant or since our daughter was born. Partly because someone has to keep an eye on her, and that is usually me. And it's not exactly easy for a pregnant lady to mow, I'm sure. I know it's somewhat unusual for women to mow, but it's not something that should be delegated to men.
In fact, I decided that as I had time and energy and the ability to do so, instead of just asking my husband to do certain chores, I would do them myself. I'm a capable person. I don't like feeling like I'm constantly giving him things to do around the house, either. If it's something I haven't done in a long time, like mowing, my skills may be a bit rusty and could use some refreshing. And if it's something I haven't ever done before but could learn how to do it just as easily as he could, I might as well learn that new skill.
So I guess I have to make a general list of things to be done around the house, and whoever gets to each of the items first will take care of it.
