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Hyde who would stop at nothing to avoid the horrors of housework.
As he felt himself backed into a corner laden with dirty dishes,
brooms, mops and reeking garbage, his front teeth grew longer and
pointer, his fingernails haggled and his eyes grew wild. Housework
trivial? Not on your life! Just try to share the burden.
So ensured a dialogue that's been going on for several years.
Here are some of the high points:
"I don't mind sharing the housework, but I don't do it very well.
We should each do the things we're best at."
MEANING Unfortunately I'm no good at things like washing
dishes or cooking. What I do best is a little light carpentry, changing
light bulbs, moving furniture (how often do you move forniture?)
ALSO MEANING Historically men have had hundreds of
years experience doing mental jobs. It would be a waste of manpower
to train someone else to do them now.
ALSO MEANING I don't like the dull stupid boring jobs, so
you should do the.
"I don't mind sharing the work, but you'll have to show me how
to do it!"
MEANING I ask a lot of questions and you'll have to show me
everything every time. I do it because I don't remember. Also don't
try to sit down and read while I'm doing my jobs because I'm going to
annoy hell out of you until it's easier to do them yourself.
"We used to be so happy!" (Said whenever it was his turn to do
something).
MEANING I used to be happy.
MEANING Life without housework is bliss. No quarrel here.
Perfect agreement.
"We have different standards, and why should I have to work to
your standards. That's unfair."
MEANING If I begin to get bugged by the dirt … I will say
"This place is a sty" or "How can anyone live like this?" and "Guilt
over a messy house" or "Household work is ultimately my
responsibility." I know that men have caused that sore - if anyone
visits and the place is a sty, they're not going to leave and say, "He
sure is a lousy housekeeper." You'll take the rap in any case. I can
outwait you.
ALSO MEANING I can provoke innumerable scenes over the
housework issue. Eventually doing all the housework yourself will be

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