Title: The Wives' Page

What are your top complaints about your husband? The top five couples' arguments are over money, child care, chores, sex and in-laws. What to do?

  • Each partner writes out a "Who does what" list of responsibilities. Now talk about what can change. For a complete 200 item list, turn to p. 236 in the book Try to See It My Way.
  • Write down a list of "shoulds" --what a wife should do, what a husband should do. Now talk about whether those shoulds are reasonable to expect—and whether they are fair.
  • Stop the "competitive suffering"—the who's got it harder game that no one wins.
  • Repair unfairness. Make a new deal, set new expectations, get away from blame and make claims for fairness.
  • Develop a values list about spending, then each rank your list in order of priorities. Now talk out your differences.
Add your favorite ideas on the Being Fair In Love and Marriage Blog comment section. I'll be frequently reviewing and publishing from your entries.