Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Cleaning Camp/ boot camp that teaches domestic skills

31 replies

ExhaustedWorkerBee · 19/07/2024 06:02

My partner is beyond useless when it comes to domestic skills. It is driving me insane and breaking me. It is not my job to teach him basic life skills. Does anyone know of a bootcamp/ training camp that he can go on? I'm deadly serious - he needs to go learn daily life skills and I would happily pay someone to properly teach him. I also think it would be healthier for our relationship and he needs to learn its not just me, these are normal societal expectations. Also - saying its biological/ just men - utter BS. He had lived by himself for a few years before I came along and has gone a little ferral.

For example - He cannot do a wash up properly (everything is still greasey), uses the counter top grill and sees no issue with leaving the grease tray full on the counter for a few days, cannot put things in the bin, leaves a trail of rubbish behind him in the house, leaves mugs and glasses behind him in the house, does not put laundry in the laundry basket, hangs out a wash all crumpled so it never dies, leaves tea bags in the sink, never rinses the sink after he brushes his teeth, does not put the empty loo roll in the bin (he is not 5 and collecting it for a bloody arr project), never puts things away, leaves cupboard doors open, does not wipe down spills properly, leaves the bins until they are a recreation of leaning tower of Pisa, never properly wipes down draining board, doesn't put dishes away properly after he washes up (I have sorted out the cupboards more time than I care to think about), does not use a toilet brush (was a learning point for him when I had to explain that he needs separate gloves and cleaning supplies for the loos in the house). Complains that he cannot find things/ things go missing but never tidies away his things, does DIY but then leaves the stanley knife out open and the cut bits of wire everywhere. I could go on for days.

OP posts:
confusedaunt · 19/07/2024 06:48

he doesn't need to change. He wont change. Either you change your expectations or accept you are incompatible.

5128gap · 19/07/2024 06:46

There really isn't a great deal of skill in domestic work. Some knowledge perhaps regarding most effective products and techniques, but otherwise its very straightforward. Your H isn't in need of training, he is lazy with low standards and has embraced the sexist myth that housework is too difficult for men and requires a woman's 'special skill'. Unfortunately you are encouraging that by framing it as something he needs to be taught when the problem is he is deliberately doing it badly because he can't be bothered and thinks you will stop asking him.

Happyinarcon · 19/07/2024 06:42

Adhd medication. I wish i wasn’t suggesting it because I am convinced adhd is related to trauma, anxiety and poor sleep, but give it a go

MightyGoldBear · 19/07/2024 06:24

I genuinely thought you was looking for a camp for your pre teen /teenage child 🙈 not a grown adult. How embarrassing for him.

I think best to have a conversation saying you are thinking of ending the relationship because he isn't a equal partner to you. It's very disrespectful. He essentially sees all of what you've mentioned as your job. He assumes you will dedicate your life to running after him cleaning up all his mess.

The thing is I don't think you can motivate someone to change if they don't already find it embarrassing their own level of incompetence. It has to come from him. Unfortunately he just isn't ready for a equal adult relationship and needs to face the consequences of not being mature enough,not be reaping the benefits from being with you.

ToriTheStoryteller · 19/07/2024 06:15

Is there anything positive about him? That makes up for all of that shit?

Morningcrows · 19/07/2024 06:12

If you have no children together or financial commitments, I would seriously contemplate ending this. Very unlikely they will change. Have you discussed this? It is very disrespectful you and I could not live with this level of disregard.