Submitted by islandgal246
A 2003 study by Scott Coltrane, a sociology professor at the University of California, Riverside, linked fathers’ housework to more feelings of warmth and affection in their wives. And a survey of 288 husbands, reported in Neil Chethik’s 2006 book “VoiceMale,” linked a wife’s satisfaction with the division of household duties with her husband’s satisfaction with their sex life.
One husband, Mr. Chethik says in an interview, reported that his wife enjoyed flowers or a candlelit dinner out; but “if he wants to be sure of a romantic evening, he goes for the vacuum cleaner.”
Other research supports the “work hard, play hard” thesis. Janet Hyde, a professor of psychology and women’s studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, has found that it doesn’t lead to less intimacy in marriage when wives hold paid jobs.
“Some people are high-energy people, and others are not very high-energy,” she says. Those who like juggling a lot of roles are often energized by the process, she says. “Work hard, play hard” may not work for everybody, but there is certainly a group for whom it does work.”
That usually requires conscious effort. Mary Miller, a marketing executive, says that while she and her husband talk at home in the evening about making time for each other, “we are often too tired once we finish cleaning up the place,” she says. Recently, they have begun planning to reserve down time for themselves, “almost like adding it to the chores,” she says.
Could the study spark a national housework craze? Like a number of spouses I interviewed, Lawrence Lamb is skeptical. At home, the Birmingham, Ala., medical-school professor unloads the dishwasher and puts away laundry while his wife, a teacher, does laundry and cooks. “But that has nothing to do with the sex life,” he says. For him and his wife, career achievement and the energy and attitudes they bring to their relationship provide more of a spark, he says. The bottom line, he adds: “It’s chemistry.”
But another married man, a communications manager attending a panel discussion at which the research was mentioned, quickly announced that he was leaving. “Gotta go,” he said. “I need to run home and put in a load of laundry.
“Email sue.shellenbarger@wsj.com – see link
Well I guess many of us who have hired help are lacking in that department. I hate housework so anyone saying that it would improve the sexual appetite really needs a reality check. After many years of matrimony when the animal lust has waned a bit women need more. So men here are some ideas that would add a sparkle to your wife’s eyes.
1……house work is a passion killer for many women. Yes some do enjoy it (house work I mean so get your mind out of the gutter)and I agree it is wonderful to come home to a clean house most of the time.
2……sex does not start in the bedroom for many women nor does it start with a mop and broom unless you are playing the naughty maid scenario.
3……many men have to be taught that if they want great sex from their spouses, that their spouses mental well being as well as their physical being are well looked after.
4……a call to say hello during the day…..a whisper telling her how great and sexy she looks even though she weighs 300 lbs.
5……a spontaneous gift like her favorite flowers, jewelry or perfume and not something for the house or kitchen even though she will welcome them both, especially if it is a gadget she was hoping to get for some time.
6……a surprise dinner at her favorite restaurant or at home with a meal prepared by the spouse who will take this route to make certain that he will score big. And MEN please don’t make it obvious what the expected end results might be, because you will loose big time!
7……..a morning goodbye kiss that will make her head spin and telling her how wonderful she is, will last all day long, as well as give her the incentive to look forward to the evening when you get home.
8……..In order to light a good fire you must first take your time to ignite it using the right fuel and material.
9……..The reality is that many men feel that they are born with all the knowledge on how to please a woman. Many women are afraid to tell them in case their men become offended so what do we get. A man thinking he is King Kong in bed and a wife who will always have a headache.
10……remember women are not made up the same way as men. Women are not the energizer bunny nor are we every ready Freddy. For most women sex happens and it is not planned nor scheduled.
P.S. I am writing this with a very straight face
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.