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“He’s an overgrown child” is one of the usual complaints wives have about their husbands. It isn’t new among women to share stories about their spouses leaving used socks lying around the bedroom floor as if expecting someone to pick up after them. 

Today’s post highlights these frustrating moments as women around the internet share their experiences. You’re about to see photos of dirty clothes a few inches from the laundry basket, pairs of shoes on a clean bedsheet, and screenshots of text messages from men wanting a “traditional wife.” 

Ladies, we recognize your exasperation. Gentlemen, we can definitely do better.

#1

I Did That All The Time When I Was Married

I Did That All The Time When I Was Married

emilychibwana Report

#3

And Expected To Do The Cleanup

And Expected To Do The Cleanup

nunyabidnez201 Report

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Nitka Tsar
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just laugh and let him do all that alone while you go out for an hour… although that might have the risk of coming back to a destroyed kitchen

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The unequal division of labor is one of the common themes in this post. According to licensed marriage and family therapist Kate Engler, it’s also one of the top complaints from her female clients. 

In an interview with Fatherly, Engler says wives feel burdened by obligations seemingly dropped on their laps, from running errands to scheduling appointments. 

“They feel like they have to be the manager of all of those things,” Engler said of her clients.

#4

The Problem With A Lot Of Dudes Who Want A Trad-Wife Is That They Refuse To Be A Traditional Husband

The Problem With A Lot Of Dudes Who Want A Trad-Wife Is That They Refuse To Be A Traditional Husband

Optimus_micheal Report

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Jessica Cooney
Community Member
22 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, he wants a trad wife who does EVERYTHING in the house AND works a full time, 40 hr a week job making 6 figures while he plays video games and watches football.

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#5

This Is What Happens When I Get Sick. Dishes And Other Housework Don't Get Done

This Is What Happens When I Get Sick. Dishes And Other Housework Don't Get Done

chrisz16 Report

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The “overgrown child” comment was from one of Sam Marion’s clients. In the same interview, the Georgia-based marriage counselor shared how many women are frustrated by how their husbands expect them to do house chores after a long workday.

The husband then becomes another “kid” that the wife needs to take care of in addition to her motherly obligations.

#7

My Answer To That Has Always Been “No One Asked Me To Do It, So Why Should I Have To Ask You?”

My Answer To That Has Always Been “No One Asked Me To Do It, So Why Should I Have To Ask You?”

stillneguss Report

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Skogsrået
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they need someone to tell them to wipe their âss after going number two also? 🙄

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#9

Anyone Else’s Partner Put Empty Dishes Back In Fridge? Not The First And Definitely Not The Last Sadly

Anyone Else’s Partner Put Empty Dishes Back In Fridge? Not The First And Definitely Not The Last Sadly

knick1982 Report

While some posts are framed humorously, this unequal division of labor can have hefty consequences. A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Epidemiology revealed that wives who feel burdened by their home lives may experience more depressive symptoms. 

These burdens may also affect a person’s physical health. Another study published by the American Psychosomatic Society saw a link between people who feel more responsible for household chores and worsened cardiovascular health. These findings apply to both men and women.

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#11

My Husband Decided To Trim His Hair This Morning Before Leaving For Work And I Am Really Tempted To Just Ignore This And Use Bidet And Bath Faucet And See How Long This Stays Here

My Husband Decided To Trim His Hair This Morning Before Leaving For Work And I Am Really Tempted To Just Ignore This And Use Bidet And Bath Faucet And See How Long This Stays Here

purpleowlie Report

#12

Last Night I Asked My Husband To Put Some Spaghetti On The Stove So I Could Start Dinner When I Got Home

Last Night I Asked My Husband To Put Some Spaghetti On The Stove So I Could Start Dinner When I Got Home

wendyrollins Report

Other studies have revealed that housework inequality may affect the relationship’s stability, increasing the likelihood of separation. 

Experts point to traditional gender roles as one of the primary reasons for the uneven distribution of labor around the house. Men tend to see housework as “mundane” and “repetitive,” often dismissing it as “women’s work.”

#13

A Month After Moving In With My Boyfriend, I Find This In The Fridge

A Month After Moving In With My Boyfriend, I Find This In The Fridge

AotearoaCanuck Report

#15

If Equality Starts At Home, Maybe You Could Actually Help Your Wife With The Chores And The Baby Too

If Equality Starts At Home, Maybe You Could Actually Help Your Wife With The Chores And The Baby Too

leansquad1 Report

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Relationships are teamwork, and both people involved must pull their weight to keep the ship afloat. For husbands, a good start would be to take on any tasks they can, such as bathing the kids and putting them to bed. 

“Don’t make a grand proclamation to your partner about what you’re going to start doing differently ― just start doing,” therapist Dr. Kurt Smith told HuffPost.

#16

So Men’s Brains Actually Are Not Wired Differently To Be Bad At Noticing Dirty Towels On The Floor

So Men’s Brains Actually Are Not Wired Differently To Be Bad At Noticing Dirty Towels On The Floor

satchelmaloney , tyromper Report

#18

The Morning After A Summer Party I Was So Proud That My Husband Remembered To Put Away The Leftover Pulled Pork. I Should've Known There Was A Catch

The Morning After A Summer Party I Was So Proud That My Husband Remembered To Put Away The Leftover Pulled Pork. I Should've Known There Was A Catch

lazylarrystrikesagain Report

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Simba
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Leaving the inner pot covered or cling-wrapped in the fridge is ok, just not the whole cooker.

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Women often have to balance household chores with their personal and professional lives, which can be exhausting. As a doting spouse, recognizing these efforts and showing gratitude can go a long way. 

As Los Angeles-based couples therapist Katlin Kindman LCSW explained, a genuine display of gratefulness can help strengthen the bond between the couple. 

“[It] can fuel more motivation to take over some tasks with increased eagerness and ease!” Kindman said.

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#20

Dear Husband, Is It Too Much To Ask That You Sort The Silverware When Unloading The Dishwasher?

Dear Husband, Is It Too Much To Ask That You Sort The Silverware When Unloading The Dishwasher?

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LuckyL
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not even only messy, it's dangerous with the knifes like this.

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We’d like to hear from you, too, readers. Are any of you going through these experiences? How are you handling the division of household chores? Let us know in the comments!

#23

Red Flag

Red Flag

EliotETC Report

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TruthoftheHeart
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My 8-year-old son already knows how to do laundry from washing to folding.. it's not rocket science

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#24

As If It Is Not Also His Responsibility

As If It Is Not Also His Responsibility

denisee_re Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
1 day ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just moved into an apartment that formerly housed a single male tenant. He didn't cook; he barbecued. The owner cleaned BBQ sauce off the stove, walls, and ceiling. It took me days more to get the stove and floors *actually* clean.

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#25

"Don't Put The Socks Away, I'll Still Wear Them"

"Don't Put The Socks Away, I'll Still Wear Them"

SabrinaTranThi Report

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Diolla
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just leave the socks where they are. Eventually he will run out of socks to wear.

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#26

This Dude Slept Through Our Lunch Date And Blames Me (Because I Don’t Exchange Numbers Until Meeting/Vibe Check). Because, Apparently, I Should’ve Woken Him Up And Waited

This Dude Slept Through Our Lunch Date And Blames Me (Because I Don’t Exchange Numbers Until Meeting/Vibe Check). Because, Apparently, I Should’ve Woken Him Up And Waited

ladytypeperson Report

#27

The State My Husband Leaves Our Kitchen In

The State My Husband Leaves Our Kitchen In

I don't even understand the mindset that allows you to leave the cabinets like this.

RedHeadRedeemed Report

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Diolla
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always had someone cleaning up behind him. It's like magic.

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#29

Dog Destroyed Trim

Dog Destroyed Trim

Left my husband in charge of our dogs while the kids and I visited my family, he chose to stay at his brothers and only let our dogs out once a day. Yesterday he sent me this picture and proceeds to blame it on me.

Thick_Upstairs2155 Report

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WindySwede
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🤬 leaving the dogs you f****r!? Also blaming the wife for it?! 🤬

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#30

Husband And Kids Always Leave Their Shoes In Front Of The Shoe Rack

Husband And Kids Always Leave Their Shoes In Front Of The Shoe Rack

This truly annoys me to no end. I'll often trip on the shoes or they'll block the door.

Euphoric_Rough2709 Report

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#31

I Haven’t Spoken To My Ex-Husband In 2 Years. Looks Like He Should’ve Included "Access To HBO"In The Divorce Proceedings

I Haven’t Spoken To My Ex-Husband In 2 Years. Looks Like He Should’ve Included "Access To HBO"In The Divorce Proceedings

marithrowsaway Report

#33

Dude, It’s The Dirty Socks! They’re On The Kitchen Counter, The Bed Headboard, The Dining Table, My Desk, The TV Stand, In The Dog's Mouth. Anywhere But The Laundry

Dude, It’s The Dirty Socks! They’re On The Kitchen Counter, The Bed Headboard, The Dining Table, My Desk, The TV Stand, In The Dog's Mouth. Anywhere But The Laundry

morter21 Report

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rodentraiser avatar
Kelly Scott
Community Member
17 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just don't understand this. Why would any woman choose to live with a five-year-old in an adult's body? And then put up with this s**t? I guess if you are the type of woman who likes running a boarding house for delinquent teenagers, including the one you're married to, fine by me, but any man who expected me to pick up after him would have his a*s kicked to the curb in five minutes straight. Life is too short to play mommy to an adult man.

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#34

He Can Build Me A House But He Can't Change A Kitchen Roll

He Can Build Me A House But He Can't Change A Kitchen Roll

livingonabuildingsite Report

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Nizumi
Community Member
20 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On this one I say, pick your battles. Yes, it's frustrating as f*ck. But if he built you a house, I'm pretty sure he's also good with repairs.

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#35

My Now Ex Boyfriend Has Been Sending Me Texts Non Stop. I Sent Him A Message Saying Me Moving Out And Us Breaking Up Is For The Best, And This Was His Response

My Now Ex Boyfriend Has Been Sending Me Texts Non Stop. I Sent Him A Message Saying Me Moving Out And Us Breaking Up Is For The Best, And This Was His Response

Conscious_Day2425 Report

#36

When You Ask Your Husband To Put A Heater In The Bathroom And He Does

When You Ask Your Husband To Put A Heater In The Bathroom And He Does

khaleesitakeiteasy Report

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ellenranks avatar
Diolla
Community Member
1 day ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is very bad. As the man of the house he should at least take charge of anything with a plug and buttons to push .

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#37

When Your Husband Is Looking For Something While You Are In The Shower And Seemingly Can't Shut Any Draw He Opens? Either That Or We Have A Ghost

When Your Husband Is Looking For Something While You Are In The Shower And Seemingly Can't Shut Any Draw He Opens? Either That Or We Have A Ghost

He is nowhere to be seen, so maybe they were making a quick escape from something? Or going out to buy bacon?

bloomingbeautifulmama Report

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Sarah Matsoukis
Community Member
23 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the slowly self closing ones, this is a habit that won't die

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#39

I Asked My Husband To Hang Up My Dresses, Not Quite What I Meant

I Asked My Husband To Hang Up My Dresses, Not Quite What I Meant

CalLil6 Report

#40

Where The Toilet Paper Goes vs. Where My Husband Chose To Put It

Where The Toilet Paper Goes vs. Where My Husband Chose To Put It

Uh-lee-shu Report

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Kelly Scott
Community Member
17 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a man just asking to wipe his butt with his hands on account of there's no more toilet paper.

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#43

Women Explains Why She Doesn't Do Her Husband's Laundry And Gets Called Selfish

Women Explains Why She Doesn't Do Her Husband's Laundry And Gets Called Selfish

hollowearthterf , MattWalshBlog Report

#44

I Mean Seriously? And My Husband Complains I Leave Dishes In The Sink Not Rinsed. At Least They're In The Sink

I Mean Seriously? And My Husband Complains I Leave Dishes In The Sink Not Rinsed. At Least They're In The Sink

thegingerlife08 Report

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#46

Husband Who Is Struggling To Make Ends Meet Gets Mad At His Wife For"Lowering Herself" Because She Found Coupons In The Trash To Feed Her Kids

Husband Who Is Struggling To Make Ends Meet Gets Mad At His Wife For"Lowering Herself" Because She Found Coupons In The Trash To Feed Her Kids

se7en_7 Report

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#47

My Husband's "Bottle Graveyard". Only 4 Bottles On His Shelf Actually Have Soap In Them

My Husband's "Bottle Graveyard". Only 4 Bottles On His Shelf Actually Have Soap In Them

Hoofhearted523 Report

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rodentraiser avatar
Kelly Scott
Community Member
16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd be so tempted to buy ten more, empty them, and stack them on there.

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#48

Apparently, This Is My Punishment For Going For A Run

Apparently, This Is My Punishment For Going For A Run

katezoewall Report

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annaekberg avatar
Skogsrået
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah, more like your "punishment" for having kids with a lazy, incompetent slob that's not gonna help you out with the kid he did help you make. 😉

#50

Asked My Husband To Cut Up Some Watermelon For The Baby’s Breakfast

Asked My Husband To Cut Up Some Watermelon For The Baby’s Breakfast

Training_Carpenter_7 Report

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Kat
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never cut up a watermelon, not sure how I'd go about it. Looks like he just dug in with a spoon and I gotta say, I dig it. Plus baby's fed And he didn't destroy the hole top in case you still want to cut nice chunks. I see no problem.

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Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.