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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

CHATGPT Epiphany - if you’re a woman, you’re born, you work like a slave, you die.

81 replies

Andthedivorcecameoutofnowhere · 06/10/2025 09:48

Following an enormous row with “D”H about why I’m so moody and always tired and why I never go the gym, I asked ChatGPT to write a list of things I do at home. I work FT, but he works 15 more hours per week than I do. But he spends way more time on his phone and socialising and goes gym in the day so I think his extra hours are because he’s unproductive in the day. Salary is similar but I WFH for a company but still he thinks I’m just chilling at home.

Based on the list which is mostly accurate (he does about 5 things off that list - holiday planning stuff) I think I should walk out the door and never look back. Obviously not all things are every day jobs but a load of them are everyday jobs, especially like cooking, cleaning, laundry. But my brain is always switched on a stressed all the time about never ending list.

Being a woman is so horrible. It was horrible for my mum, horrible for my nan but they didn’t have FT jobs too and we kids helped out. Just feel so shit today, like you’re born, you work like slave and you die.

CHATGPT’s LIST

The cognitive labor (the "mental load")

  1. Anticipating the household's future needs.
  2. Noticing when a household item is running low.
  3. Maintaining a mental inventory of food and supplies.
  4. Adding items to the shopping list.
  5. Monitoring the expiration dates of food and medicine.
  6. Knowing the family's schedule of appointments and events.
  7. Researching new products, services, or family activities.
  8. Coordinating everyone's schedules for events and appointments.
  9. Making decisions based on household needs.
  10. Developing household systems, such as for storage or cleaning.
  11. Remembering personal details for family and friends' occasions.
  12. Creating and managing a household budget.
  13. Remembering where items are stored.
  14. Monitoring and replying to the constant stream of school communications, emails, and app notifications.
  15. Building and maintaining friendships with other parents to facilitate playdates and social connections for the children.
  16. Proactively scheduling and coordinating playdates, social events, and get-togethers with other families.
  17. Keeping a detailed log of upcoming school-related social activities, such as birthday parties and school events.
  18. Buying, wrapping, and labeling birthday presents for children attending parties, ensuring they align with the child's interests and the event's theme.
  19. Managing the logistics of transporting children to and from birthday parties and social gatherings.
  20. Planning and organizing children's own birthday parties, from the guest list to the activities and party favors.
  21. Planning and organizing holidays and family celebrations.
  22. Managing the guest list for events.
  23. Coordinating travel arrangements and packing lists.
  24. Remembering family members' needs for gifts.
  25. Deciding on the family's meals for the week.
  26. Monitoring the progress of household projects.
  27. Evaluating the effectiveness of household routines.
  28. Remembering to follow up on household administrative tasks.
  29. Ensuring household bills are paid on time.
  30. Managing household service providers and contractors.
  31. Deciphering instruction manuals for appliances.
  32. Anticipating the need for household repairs.
  33. Researching household insurance policies.
  34. Deciding what to get rid of and when.
  35. Monitoring household energy and water usage.
  36. Remembering to test smoke detector batteries.
  37. Deciding when to replace household items, like towels.
  38. Anticipating future seasonal cleaning tasks, like cleaning the chimney.
The emotional labor
  1. Managing interpersonal dynamics within the family.
  2. Remembering and acknowledging special occasions.
  3. Offering support and a listening ear during difficult times.
  4. Mediating disagreements between family members.
  5. Acting as the primary emotional support for the family.
  6. Maintaining family harmony.
  7. Managing one's own emotions to maintain a peaceful environment.
  8. Responding with patience to stressful situations.
  9. Anticipating and responding to a family member's mood.
  10. Making family members feel seen and valued.
  11. Encouraging good behavior in children.
  12. Being available for emotional conversations.
  13. Fostering positive relationships among children.
  14. Offering emotional guidance.
  15. Creating a feeling of warmth and welcome in the home.
  16. Sending cards for birthdays and holidays.
  17. Planning family bonding activities.
The cleaning and organizing (including deep cleaning)
  1. Wiping down kitchen countertops after each use.
  2. Loading the dishwasher after meals.
  3. Emptying the dishwasher.
  4. Doing the dishes by hand.
  5. Emptying all household trash bins.
  6. Taking out the recycling.
  7. Making the bed daily.
  8. Tidying up common areas, like the living room.
  9. Sweeping the kitchen floor.
  10. Wiping down bathroom sinks.
  11. Hanging up towels to dry.
  12. Fluffing couch cushions.
  13. Picking up clutter in each room.
  14. Vacuuming all floors and furniture.
  15. Changing bed linens.
  16. Scrubbing toilets, inside and out, including under the rim.
  17. Deep cleaning the shower or bathtub.
  18. Mopping all hard floors.
  19. Wiping down the exterior of kitchen appliances.
  20. Deep cleaning the inside of the microwave.
  21. Dusting all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and baseboards.
  22. Cleaning mirrors and windows.
  23. Deep cleaning the oven, including racks and glass.
  24. Wiping down the inside of the refrigerator.
  25. Cleaning kitchen cabinets, inside and out.
  26. Decluttering closets and storage areas.
  27. Washing curtains and blinds.
  28. Organizing and reorganizing kitchen cupboards.
  29. Cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures.
  30. Disinfecting doorknobs and light switches.
  31. Organizing and tidying up the garden or yard.
  32. Scrubbing grout lines in kitchen and bathrooms.
  33. Dusting and wiping down the tops of all kitchen cabinets.
  34. Cleaning and disinfecting trash cans.
  35. Defrosting and cleaning the freezer.
  36. Cleaning the refrigerator's coils and vents.
  37. Cleaning the washing machine and dryer, including the lint trap.
  38. Vacuuming all air vents and replacing the HVAC filter.
  39. Deep cleaning upholstered furniture.
  40. Washing or dry-cleaning curtains and drapes.
  41. Wiping down and cleaning all blinds, slat by slat.
  42. Cleaning all window tracks and sills.
  43. Washing all walls and baseboards.
  44. Cleaning the area behind the toilet.
  45. Removing items from under beds and cleaning thoroughly.
  46. Flipping and vacuuming mattresses.
  47. Washing or steaming pillows and duvets.
  48. Cleaning and organizing all closets, drawers, and storage spaces.
  49. Cleaning all household cleaning tools.
  50. Spot-cleaning any stains on carpets and upholstery.
  51. Organizing household cleaning supplies.
  52. Disinfecting electronic items like remotes.
  53. Removing all books and items from bookcases.
  54. Dusting the books one by one with a duster or soft cloth.
  55. Wiping down each bookshelf with a damp cloth.
  56. Replacing books and items back on the bookcase.
  57. Removing light covers and washing them thoroughly.
  58. Wiping and dusting all parts of the light fixture.
  59. Replacing light covers.
The children
  1. Getting children up and dressed in the morning.
  2. Supervising and monitoring children's safety.
  3. Bathing children.
  4. Washing children's hair.
  5. Ensuring children's oral hygiene by brushing teeth.
  6. Changing diapers for infants and toddlers.
  7. Helping with potty training.
  8. Getting children to and from medical and dental appointments.
  9. Administering medicine and managing illnesses.
  10. Supervising and monitoring children's sleep schedules and naps.
  11. Getting children ready for bed.
  12. Managing children's behavior through discipline and guidance.
  13. Developing schedules and routines for children.
  14. Providing emotional support and a calming presence for a distressed child.
  15. Reading to children.
  16. Planning and engaging in age-appropriate play with children.
  17. Arranging interactive toys, puzzles, and games for mental stimulation.
  18. Organizing children's arts and crafts projects and play.
  19. Supervising children's interactions with each other and friends.
  20. Packing children's bags for outings, school, and trips.
  21. Researching and purchasing children's clothes and toys.
  22. Ensuring children's toys are safe and age-appropriate.
  23. Noticing when clothes and shoes no longer fit.
  24. Sorting children's outgrown clothes and deciding what to do with them.
  25. Storing outgrown clothes in labeled boxes for future use.
  26. Creating separate piles of clothes for charity donation.
  27. Dropping off clothes at the charity shop or collection point.
  28. Going through all children's toys to determine what to keep.
  29. Deciding which toys are in good enough condition to pass on or sell.
  30. Disposing of broken or unsafe toys responsibly.
  31. Tidying and organizing the playroom.
  32. Cleaning and organizing all toys, including washing or sanitizing.
  33. Checking and replacing pens, markers, and other art supplies.
  34. Keeping up with schoolwork and homework, including supervising and assisting.
  35. Developing schedules and routines for children.
  36. Tracking children's developmental progress and addressing concerns.
  37. Communicating with teachers and other caregivers.
  38. Monitoring and replying to the constant stream of school communications.
  39. Maintaining friendships with other parents to facilitate playdates.
  40. Keeping on top of all school-related social activities and dates.
  41. Buying, wrapping, and labeling birthday presents for parties.
  42. Worrying about children's health, social life, and performance at school.
  43. Worrying about providing a nurturing and stable environment.
  44. Managing one's own emotions to provide a calm and supportive environment.
  45. Anticipating and responding to a child's mood or emotional state.
  46. Ensuring the family spends quality time together.
The wardrobe management (for the entire family)
  1. Taking all clothes out of a closet to assess them.
  2. Sorting clothes into distinct piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, Store, Repair, and Trash.
  3. Deciding whether an item of clothing is still needed or worn.
  4. Trying on clothes that are rarely worn to determine if they still fit and are flattering.
  5. Checking for holes, stains, or damage in each item of clothing.
  6. Taking clothes that require repair to a tailor or mending them.
  7. Making a list of needed wardrobe items to replace worn-out clothes.
  8. Organizing clothes by color or style within the wardrobe.
  9. Implementing new storage solutions like drawer dividers or shelving.
  10. Rotating clothes seasonally to keep the wardrobe manageable.
  11. Folding and hanging clothes to prevent wrinkles and save space.
  12. Ensuring each family member's wardrobe is a functional and organized space.
  13. Packing away out-of-season clothing into storage boxes or bags.
  14. Evaluating accessories like scarves, belts, and bags during decluttering.
  15. Managing the seasonal clothing rotation for the entire family.
  16. Cleaning and dusting wardrobe interiors and drawers.
The meal preparation
  1. Deciding what to cook for each meal.
  2. Planning the weekly menu.
  3. Making a comprehensive grocery list.
  4. Driving to and shopping for groceries.
  5. Transporting and putting away groceries.
  6. Storing ingredients properly to maximize freshness.
  7. Preparing ingredients (washing, chopping, etc.).
  8. Cooking the meals.
  9. Preparing school lunches.
  10. Handling and storing leftovers properly.
  11. Preparing specific meals or snacks for children.
  12. Baking treats or special-occasion foods.
  13. Setting the table before meals.
  14. Clearing the table after meals.
The laundry and clothing management
  1. Gathering all dirty laundry from around the house.
  2. Sorting clothes by color and fabric.
  3. Loading and running the washing machine.
  4. Hanging clothes to dry or moving them to the dryer.
  5. Removing dry laundry from the machine.
  6. Folding clothes neatly.
  7. Ironing clothes.
  8. Putting away clean clothes in closets and drawers.
  9. Washing bed linens and towels.
  10. Washing delicate items by hand.
  11. Removing and washing shower curtains.
  12. Pre-treating stains before washing.
  13. Taking dry cleaning to and from the cleaners.
  14. Repairing minor clothing damage.
  15. Deciding what clothes to keep, donate, or throw away.
  16. Organizing clothes for the next season.
  17. Replacing lost buttons.
  18. Organizing and tidying the laundry room.
  19. Keeping track of laundry supplies.
The household administration
  1. Monitoring household inventory and restocking.
  2. Managing communication with contractors.
  3. Developing and enforcing household rules.
  4. Managing important household paperwork and warranties.
  5. Ensuring all family members have access to necessary supplies.
  6. Addressing and resolving household problems as they arise.
  7. Managing the family's schedule and calendar.
  8. Planning and organizing home renovations or moves.
  9. Coordinating pet care, including vet appointments.
  10. Developing emergency preparedness plans.
  11. Handling communication with schools and other institutions.
The dog-related care and worry
  1. Anticipating the dog's physical and emotional needs.
  2. Monitoring the dog's food and treat supply.
  3. Researching the best type of food for the dog's age and breed.
  4. Ensuring the dog's vaccination schedule is up-to-date.
  5. Booking and managing routine and emergency vet appointments.
  6. Administering daily medication or supplements as required.
  7. Observing the dog for any unusual behavior, sickness, or injury.
  8. Making contingency plans for the dog's care if the owner becomes ill or travels.
  9. Budgeting for routine and unexpected veterinary expenses.
  10. Purchasing or renewing pet insurance.
  11. Keeping the microchip information updated.
  12. Grooming the dog, including brushing, bathing, and nail clipping.
  13. Cleaning the dog's ears and teeth.
  14. Playing with the dog for physical and mental stimulation.
  15. Arranging interactive toys and puzzles to prevent boredom.
  16. Providing a safe and comfortable space for the dog to rest.
  17. House-training the dog and managing accidents.
  18. Managing the dog's behavior through training and consistency.
  19. Socializing the dog with new people, animals, and environments.
  20. Worrying about the dog's well-being and happiness when leaving the house.
  21. Monitoring the dog's anxiety levels.
  22. Comforting the dog when it is scared or anxious.
  23. Monitoring the dog's interactions with other dogs and people.
  24. Ensuring the dog gets adequate daily exercise.
  25. Taking the dog on walks and runs, carrying and disposing of waste.
  26. Deciding on dog-walking routes and being aware of the surroundings.
  27. Using a leash and being mindful of other dogs and people.
  28. Managing the dog's diet and preventing obesity.
  29. Keeping harmful human foods out of the dog's reach.
  30. Providing plenty of fresh, clean water.
  31. Protecting the dog from parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms.
  32. Managing end-of-life decisions and grief.
  33. Researching and coordinating care for pets with chronic health conditions.
  34. Ensuring the dog is safely restrained during car travel.
  35. Responding to the dog's unique needs and emotional cues.
Christmas
  1. Planning and budgeting for all holiday-related expenses.
  2. Planning and coordinating festive social events and gatherings.
  3. Scheduling dates with friends and extended family for holiday catch-ups.
  4. Booking any required holiday get-togethers well in advance.
  5. Updating the Christmas card list with current addresses.
  6. Writing and sending out Christmas cards.
  7. Buying stamps and ensuring cards are posted in time for holiday delivery.
  8. Developing a Christmas gift list for friends, family, and other recipients.
  9. Researching and buying gifts for everyone on the list.
  10. Purchasing emergency spare gifts in case of unexpected presents.
  11. Planning and coordinating a Secret Santa gift exchange.
  12. Ensuring all online Christmas shopping is done early enough to guarantee delivery.
  13. Wrapping all gifts, including purchasing wrapping paper, tape, tags, and ribbons.
  14. Organizing all the Christmas decorations and determining if new ones are needed.
  15. Getting the Christmas tree, whether a real tree from a farm or an artificial one.
  16. Decorating the tree and other parts of the home, both inside and out.
  17. Coordinating the taking down and storing of all decorations after the holidays.
  18. Planning the full Christmas Day meal and any other holiday feasts.
  19. Creating a detailed grocery list for all holiday food shopping.
  20. Booking a supermarket delivery slot in advance to avoid last-minute queues.
  21. Purchasing non-perishable food items early to spread out the shopping.
  22. Doing the final fresh food shop in the days leading up to Christmas.
  23. Cleaning out the fridge and freezer to make space for festive food.
  24. Organizing nibbles and appetizers for guests to enjoy.
  25. Preparing dishes and ingredients in advance to save time on the day.
  26. Baking Christmas cookies, cakes, and other festive treats.
  27. Preparing meals to cover the entire holiday period, including Boxing Day.
  28. Making sure there is enough crockery, cutlery, and seating for all guests.
  29. Getting extra bedding and towels ready for any overnight guests.
  30. Ensuring there is plenty of soft drinks, alcohol, and ice for entertaining.
  31. Setting the table for Christmas dinner.
  32. Worrying about catering to different dietary requirements and tastes.
  33. Worrying about creating a "perfect" or magical Christmas experience.
  34. Managing the "Elf on the Shelf" and other traditions involving children.
  35. Arranging for the kids to write their letters to Santa.
  36. Setting out treats for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve.
  37. Filling and arranging Christmas stockings.
  38. Creating or filling Christmas Eve boxes for the family.
OP posts:
Notmycircusnotmyotter · 06/10/2025 10:47

Monitoring the dog's emotional needs... 😂🫣

But overall YANBU

Andthedivorcecameoutofnowhere · 06/10/2025 10:49

Oh no, I’m not doing all of this. It was from ChatGPT. I’m doing a lot of it, like absolutely loads of it but not all of it. Definitely not disinfecting remotes which everyone seems fixated on!! although I do polish them as they get dusty?

I recognise it’s a repetitive AI list too. It’s just observing that overall the to do list for a woman (at least in my 1950s marriage) is shit.

OP posts:
TheSwarm · 06/10/2025 10:51

Obviously if you feel like you are carrying the weight of house/life admin and your partner is not helping, that is an issue.

But don't rely on AI slop to make that argument because it's so easy to dismiss as the garbage it is.

PoppyFleur · 06/10/2025 10:58

Goah, written out like that I can see how you came to your conclusion about life.

However, the crux of the problem is the adult you share a life with just isn’t doing his equal share. You can show him how much time he is wasting on his phone each day but do you really want to treat your husband like a 13 year old?

This is an all too common problem on MN and I wish I had an answer for you. DH and I both pulled our equal weight, it was the only way we could maintain our sanity, jobs and the house whilst being involved (older) parents. The result is that we have a strong relationship and we are looking forward to spending more time together when DC leaves for university. If I was taken for granted and disrespected in my marriage I can’t imagine I would want more time or intimacy with someone who didn’t value me.

ItsAWonderfulLifeforMe · 06/10/2025 10:59

I think having a pet and a third child hugely add to your plate OP which is probably why you feel extra overwhelmed. SAHM here, x2 children, no pets. Any extra small
people or animals here would be lovely but would hugely add to the to-do list and costs and with a full time job too and a partner that doesn’t help I would be in meltdown

StormyPotatoes · 06/10/2025 11:03

The list is really silly. But you aren’t wrong. I mentioned this to DP yesterday - between baking, cleaning, washing, making dinner, listing clothes for sale and still sitting down to play with the children I was on my phone with one page open for car insurance, another for rain macs for the kids, and another again trying to find a suitable wardrobe for my youngest’s room.

In the time it took me to wash the kids, clean the bathroom and get the washing out DP had not quite finished washing up (after a simple lunch!) and then rewarded him self with down time messaging friends and watching videos on YouTube.

It’s relentless and it’s not like you can just stop, because these things still need doing regardless. But I just don’t think they get it.

tiredangry · 06/10/2025 11:03

Yanbu
Ive scanned the list and I do most of that. H works very long hours.

Deliveroo · 06/10/2025 11:06

Have you heard of Fair Play cards? It’s a similar concept except that it’s a card game. If you are responsible for the task you take a card, and it taps in to the desire win. It’s an eye opener for many men.

I didn’t even read your list op - but I can see why you’re overwhelmed and resentful. But that doesn’t help you. Feeling like a slave and that your slavery is predetermined by your gender makes you helpless and you aren’t.

You’ve identified a problem. What you need are solutions, and to feed your self belief and sense of entitlement to fair play. Until you just don’t stand for anything less.

I get why you’re despairing - but let’s try and find your anger instead.

The Cards | Fair Play Life

https://www.fairplaylife.com/the-cards

LordEmsworth · 06/10/2025 11:13

Yeah, if there's one thing that slaves have always really objected to, it's having to decide on a dog walking route. O the humanity!

"Working like a slave" indeed...

Darragon · 06/10/2025 11:14

Never have I ever sorted out a HVAC filter. And I live in a country with air con. 😂
Birthday present wrapping was on there twice (I don’t do that either, DH does).
I would say I don’t do 70% of that list, DH and I split the rest about 60/40 (he does the 40 obvs). It’s not ideal but I don’t think I would tolerate doing a single thing more than I do. OP you need to get your DH and kids to do more.

MoreDangerousThanAWomanScorned · 06/10/2025 11:19

I think you've got a good and fair point - household labour is still very much unequal in the average household - but a ChatGPT list is a shit way to try and prove it. You could come up with a list like that for anything, making it seem like a superhuman effort - and you could also pick said list apart. For example - I got Copilot to do the same thing, but for that very onerous task 'going to the gym'. Based on this, how could you possibly expect your DH to do anything else when he's already tackling all this...!:

Absolutely — going to the gym involves far more than just showing up and lifting weights. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of all the components, from mental prep to post-workout recovery:

🧠 Cognitive Load & Mental Effort

  • Motivation check: Overcoming inertia, fatigue, or low mood
  • Decision fatigue: Choosing workout type, duration, intensity
  • Self-talk & mindset: Managing expectations, confidence, and discipline
  • Time estimation: Calculating how long the entire process will take
  • Social navigation: Anticipating interactions, crowd levels, or gym etiquette
  • Body awareness: Assessing soreness, energy levels, or injury risk

📅 Pre-Planning & Admin

  • Scheduling: Blocking time in your calendar, avoiding conflicts
  • Goal setting: Defining short-term and long-term fitness objectives
  • Program planning: Selecting exercises, reps, sets, and progression
  • Tracking tools: Updating fitness apps, spreadsheets, or journals
  • Membership management: Renewals, bookings, cancellations
  • Childcare or pet care: Arranging support if needed
  • Transport logistics: Checking traffic, parking, or public transport
  • Meal timing: Planning pre-workout nutrition and hydration

🎒 Packing & Preparation

  • Gym bag essentials:
  • Workout clothes
  • Shoes (specific to activity: running, lifting, etc.)
  • Towel
  • Water bottle
  • Headphones
  • Lock for locker
  • Post-workout snack or shake
  • Toiletries (if showering)
  • Resistance bands, gloves, or other gear
  • Tech setup:
  • Charging devices
  • Syncing playlists or workout apps
  • Setting timers or reminders

🏋️‍♂️ The Workout Itself

  • Warm-up: Dynamic stretches, mobility drills, cardio prep
  • Main session:
  • Strength training
  • Cardio
  • Classes (e.g., spin, yoga, HIIT)
  • Skill work (e.g., Olympic lifts, gymnastics)
  • Cool-down: Static stretching, foam rolling, breathing exercises
  • Tracking progress: Logging weights, reps, heart rate, or perceived exertion

🚿 Post-Workout & Recovery

  • Shower & hygiene: On-site or at home
  • Nutrition: Refueling with protein, carbs, and fluids
  • Recovery tools: Ice packs, massage guns, compression gear
  • Reflection: Evaluating performance, adjusting future plans
  • Sleep planning: Ensuring adequate rest for muscle repair

🧾 Ongoing Maintenance

  • Revisiting goals: Adjusting based on progress or setbacks
  • Program updates: Changing routines to avoid plateaus
  • Mental check-ins: Staying motivated and avoiding burnout
  • Community engagement: Connecting with gym staff or workout partners
  • Budgeting: Managing costs of memberships, gear, supplements
APatternGrammar · 06/10/2025 11:19

I agree with your general point but a generated list won’t really mean anything unless you check and edit it so that it reflects reality. The Fair Play cards that a PP mentioned are better for this (and make it a conversation rather than a decree).
I think it all rests on the unspoken assumption that a wife should be doing more than a husband, so if you can’t discuss or address that, you won’t get anywhere with the rest of it either.

Anotherdayanotherpound · 06/10/2025 11:24

TheSwarm · 06/10/2025 10:16

But it's just life, isn't it? If you write down everything you do in a day of course it will be a really long list. I mean, today:

1 Woke up
2 Think "fuck sake, it's monday"
3 Stretch
4 Poke toes out of bed to judge temperature
5 Put on dressing gown
6 Walk across hallway
7 Prod child #1 to wake up
8 Prod child #2 to wake up
9 Open bathroom door
10 Find toothbrush
11 Find toothpaste

I mean, that's 11 things and I'd been awake for all of 5 minutes.

Edited

😂 your list made me laugh 😂

Soukmyfalafel · 06/10/2025 11:27

Fuck me, no wonder I'm tired, and I have a partner that at least does quite a bit of housework, shopping, cooking, admin.

I think part of it is that life is necessarily complicated too. We need to get rid of some societal expectations, especially of parenting, as it is just not sustainable. Fuck what people think. That means thinking like your partner alwats taking the lazy option -E.g. Birthday party presents - money in a card etc, or an occasional frozen pizza when you are too knackered to cook.

I do think there is always both a "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today" and a "if you can put it off until tomorrow, don't do it today" person in each relationship though, but the one who is more active in getting stuff done should delegate and when it isn't done, tell the kids it was the partner who messed up and let them deal with the fallout. This way you have your kids remembering a shit dad in their childhood, rather than a stressed, busy, resentful mother.

Noiamnotalison · 06/10/2025 11:28

But why do some women put up with that shit! It isn’t reflective of most of the lives of my good friends and I’m in my 50s. The men have been totally involved in the kids lives, most can cook perfectly well, some do most of the cooking. I can’t imagine any of them don’t do any laundry or lifeload. And these are not perfect marriages. I think most of us had dodgy periods after children came along but we had a role in how much of the load we took on. We do know of one lazy arsehole but he should have had his arse dumped a long long time ago.

i don’t consider my husband a superstar and I’m not proud of having a ‘good one’. He’s a bit crap at somethings and so am I. I just don’t understand at what point in a relationship some women just take this step backwards.

HappyNewTaxYear · 06/10/2025 11:28

Andthedivorcecameoutofnowhere · 06/10/2025 10:49

Oh no, I’m not doing all of this. It was from ChatGPT. I’m doing a lot of it, like absolutely loads of it but not all of it. Definitely not disinfecting remotes which everyone seems fixated on!! although I do polish them as they get dusty?

I recognise it’s a repetitive AI list too. It’s just observing that overall the to do list for a woman (at least in my 1950s marriage) is shit.

What do you ‘polish’ the remotes with?

PotatoesLogsEggs · 06/10/2025 11:39

What a ridiculous list! That’s not going to help anyone!
Life is busy, sometimes more busy than other times. If DH doesn’t pull his weight, tell him. Or just cut back on what you do.
For example, my DH is pretty good, does laundry, cooking, cleaning, all school runs. But he’s rubbish at buying gifts, do I step in and buy his families presents. NO! They just get either shit gifts or cash but that’s on him!!

I don’t think analysing whether you or he is putting more time into analysing your dog’s interactions with other dogs and people is going to help here!

inamarina · 06/10/2025 11:42

Seventyandlovingit · 06/10/2025 10:00

That list is crazy. ChatGPT is crazy. Life really isn't broken down into such minute detail. Yes, you're obviously doing more than your husband who sounds like a lazy git. But that list is completely overwhelming. Leave your husband if you want to or stay with him and sort the load out more evenly - but whatever you do, ignore that bloody list!

Yes, I agree.
I really don’t get the point of listing every single step of a chore to make it look like some mega project.
Just to take food shopping as an example, I’ve seen people breaking it down into “monitoring family’s eating habits - checking the fridge - checking expiration dates - composing a shopping list - driving to the supermarket - navigating the supermarket” and so on.

Periperi2025 · 06/10/2025 11:44

I'm currently getting divorced due to lack of communication and lack of input from STBxH (plus lack of intimacy) being the reason. So i can totally relate to this list. H does do stuff, but it is the surface level stuff, not the underlying admin, long term jobs or the tougher emotional side of parenting, and now he is also doing more of that because he doesn't want me to leave, but i doubt very much even this would be sustained long term if i stayed.

Years ago i read "Fair play" (Eve Rodsky), i suggested H read it too so that we could then talk about it (communication is a massive problem for him, we both strongly suspect ASD), he never did. When i said i wanted a divorce he asked me to "help him/ teach him to do better", apparently this is another job for me, and one i tried to do years ago anyway.

SeriaMau · 06/10/2025 11:53

TheSwarm · 06/10/2025 10:08

If you have a lazy husband then you have a lazy husband, and no amount of lists is going to change that.

Especially a list which is AI-generated, which just like most AI output is just utter fucking shite.

Edited

Agreed. I am sure a ChatGPT list for a man’s chores would be equally extensive and equally crap. ‘Anticipating pet’s emotional needs’ FFS!

ClearUnderfoot · 06/10/2025 11:53

My husband does most of the things on the list, especially the housework, shopping, cooking, cleaning.
I think you have a husband problem.

JetFlight · 06/10/2025 11:57

Life for a lot of women is filled with all that work but that doesn’t mean it has to be like that and it doesn’t mean work and then die.
Make a choice to delegate or not. Leave your partner if they’re that crap.
Find time to do things for yourself and prioritise yourself regularly.

fruitbrewhaha · 06/10/2025 11:57

Yeah, I don’t do all that. Maybe that’s what you need to do. Delegate delegate delegate.

PaellaPan · 06/10/2025 11:58
  1. Marry an adult.

End of list