Are you angry about doing housework? If so, you are not alone. This is a very common problem. However, you don’t want to spend too much of your time being angry. It may feel like righteous indignation, and it may even energize you somewhat, BUT anger that sticks around causes health problems and relationship problems. So, how do you stop feeling so angry about housework?
Two things may help. For some reason, we have all decided that running a home should only take about 30 minutes a day, or every other day. NOT! The time it takes to do housework did not shrink to half an hour just because we got busy. Nothing is wrong because there is so much housework, and nothing is wrong because housework doesn’t “stay done”. It’s no one’s fault. That’s just the way it is. That’s just the reality of housework. Yes, there are things you can do to save time and streamline certain tasks, but I really want you to get this. What do you do with these thoughts: Why do I have to do xyz? Why is that my job? Why do I have to do everything? Well, most of us decide to blame our families. After all, it’s their clothes in the laundry, their dishes in the sink, etc. etc. Let’s go in a different direction. Let’s understand right here and now that housework (and everything that pertains to running a home) takes time and effort, AND it’s not going to get done and stay done, (although developing systems will help us keep up with things.) We may not have the time and we may not have the energy, but that doesn’t change the pile of dishes in the sink and the pile of laundry in the middle of the living room.
The other thought that may help is this: We can choose to do housework with love in our hearts for ourselves and our families. We don’t have to hold onto anger. We can take care of our homes because it is an act of love to provide a clean, well-run home for ourselves and our families. It’s an important gift that you have the opportunity to give. Our houses do not have to be perfect. They do not have to “measure up”. They just have to make us feel better. When you clean the kitchen out of love, you will be surprised that your family will probably eventually want to help. They will not take over. But they will follow your lead. It makes sense. You have transformed doing housework from an act of anger and hate into an act of love. That’s strong medicine.