Recently, while buying flowers, I stumbled upon a humorous sign: "5 minutes of playing dumb saves an hour of work." Glancing at my husband, who was smirking beside me, we both laughed. However, that laughter quickly turned to contemplation as I realized how often this topic comes up in my coaching sessions.

 

Many of us silently accept that our partners – and yes, sometimes even our children – seemingly cannot master everyday tasks like loading the dishwasher or folding laundry, even after numerous explanations. Why do we often step in and quickly finish these tasks ourselves just to save time? This behavior ensures that everything ultimately stays on our shoulders. Similarly, this happens at work, where we take on tasks because we think it's faster than waiting for others' help.

 

Interestingly, Generation Z seems to be a step ahead regarding household duties. Yet, the question remains: Is it truly inability, or perhaps a convenient excuse to shirk work? And more importantly, why don't we learn to sometimes "play dumb" ourselves?

 

The Role of Equality in Modern Relationships

In many coaching sessions, I discuss the importance of equality in relationships, not only in professional contexts but also at home. True balance at home can help prevent burnout and enhance overall well-being. It's crucial that both partners recognize their responsibilities and actively participate in managing the household.

 

How Can We Initiate Change?

• Communication is Key: Open discussions about the distribution of household chores are essential. It's important to clearly define expectations and develop an understanding of each other's burdens.
• Fair Distribution of Tasks: Use planning tools or apps to fairly distribute chores. This can help avoid misunderstandings and assign responsibilities to everyone in the household.
• Show Appreciation: Often, the work done at home is taken for granted. A simple thank you can go a long way in maintaining everyone's motivation.
• Be Role Models: Parents can set a good example for their children by sharing responsibilities and showing that household chores are not gender-specific.