5 Ways To Curb Your Nagging

If you’re in a serious relationship with a man, chances are you’ve nagged him about taking out the trash, throwing away his junk mail, making a dentist appointment or exercising. The list goes on and on with the same conclusion: Most men procrastinate. And they are even less likely to accomplish a task with a woman over their shoulder complaining. Although it may be tempting to fly into a rage next time you trip over your man’s wet towel, it’s best to keep your cool. Here are some ways to avoid acting like his mother:

1. Keep a tally. Any time you nag him (which is not to be confused with a polite request to help with a chore), write it down. You’ll probably be shocked – and a little disgusted – at how many times a day you belittle him with phrases like, “Wow, it’s about time you cleaned. I’ve had SOOO much fun scrubbing your pee stains off the toilet for the past year!” Remember that men do not respond well to criticism or belittlement.

2. Politely ask for help. This isn’t the 1950s. Women work just as much, if not more than men and deserve help around the house. In order to attain this help, use a calm, soothing voice and phrase your request like so: “Hey baby, would you mind helping out tonight with the laundry? I’d really appreciate it.” Kill him with kindness and watch in amazement as he actually lifts himself off the couch. If he consistently refuses to help out when asked, you may want to rethink your relationship. It sounds harsh, but a partner who doesn’t help with something as simple as cleaning probably won’t help with bigger things down the road – like raising a child.

3. Hire a cleaning service. Some couples find that this is the easiest solution. After all, it eliminates the resentment of always having to ask your partner to help out. Many women get angry simply about the asking part. If you’re one of them, forking out a little cash to save your relationship may be worth it. Of course, this solution only helps with cleaning-related nagging. A cleaning service can’t force your man to get on a treadmill.

4. Don’t bombard him. Studies suggest that men are not good at multitasking. That’s why it’s important to ask one thing at a time. Don’t wake him up at 6 a.m. Saturday with a list of chores. When he gets home from work, give him time to unwind with a beer or video game before you unleash your requests. Make him believe he's doing things on his own time.  

5. Praise and/or reward him. Although it seems unfair that women rarely get rewarded for cleaning or scheduling an annual physical, we as females must swallow our pride and praise men for accomplishing tasks that we do each day without a second thought. Men love having their egos stroked, and doing so can only benefit us in the end by ensuring they will stop procrastinating. And if you’re dating a man who naturally helps out and keeps the house tidy, treasure him like the rare gem that he is.