Dear Abby: Couple is Divided on Division of Labor

[cereta]

DEAR ABBY: Can you settle a dispute between my husband and me? Sometimes, I take it upon myself to hand-wash my car because I enjoy seeing my hard work reflected in my shiny car. When I do, it sparks an argument.

His view is that since he's the man, he should be responsible for washing the car. He says there are certain things "women just don't do." I think I'm perfectly capable of washing my car. Should I give up and let him take care of washing my car, or should I stand my ground? -- JUST AS CAPABLE

DEAR CAPABLE: If you want to wash your car occasionally, it should not be grounds for an argument. Many women do, and it's not an issue. However, because your husband seems to find it emasculating, let me suggest that rather than argue about it you allow him to spoil you by doing it for you from time to time. And when he does, if you feel compelled to polish something, let it be your nails while he's out there sweating in the driveway.

Comments

[neotoma]

...wtf?! It's her car. Maybe she's particular about getting grim out of wheel wells? Maybe she only wants to use a special soap? Maybe she just enjoys washing her car and doesn't want her husband to deprive her of an enjoyable chore?

This is terrible advice. Where is Captain Awkward and enforcement of boundaries -- even if the boundary is 'let me wash my own damned car'?!