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My husband was raised by a grandmother who did everything for him... picked up his mess and so on. Now I don't know what to do with him! I work, and I just can't go around picking up and cleaning up after him when I work the hours I do. I'll tell him to put his stuff up after he comes home, and he gets irritated, which leads to arguments. Please help me. What should I do? It's so bad that I can't stand it.
Peace in a home is more important than arguments over trivial things.
Since you aren't going to change your husband, change your approach. Get a box or two and place them in the rooms your husband drops his stuff. Go to him, hug him, and then say, "Honey, I want us to have peace in our home. Your dropping things all over the place upsets me - and my getting on your case upsets you. So I put these boxes in the (choice: living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen) and all you have to do is drop your stuff in them - okay?" Then kiss his cheek. (This is called the "sandwich method.") Sweet stuff - presentation - followed by sweet stuff. Hope this helps - best wishes! Dr. Muriel .
Dr. Muriel Larson, author of many books and thousands of published writings and songs, is a professional Christian writer, counselor and speaker, and has taught at writers' conferences across the United States. She serves as an E-Mail counselor with Truthmedia. Her web site, "Advice From God's Word," lists many helpful articles alphabetically by their descriptive titles: http://advicedrmuriel.blogspot.com
