It's all quite obvious. After you get married you have a new weapon in any argument, which is the costs of divorce. If you just live in the same place, it's no so hard to just pack your stuff and leave.

José Duarte, Santiago do Cacém, Portugal

Everyone should be capable of cleaning up after themselves - any man who doesn't clean up his own mess has clearly been brought up badly and will pass on such bad behaviour to his children. What gives these men the notion that they have a right to have their tables cleared, beds made and floors cleaned? Some women really need to find their backbone and stand up to this nonsense. I'm all for sharing of tasks according to ability, e.g. whoever is best at cooking prepares the meals, but cleaning is not a skill but something everyone should do for him- or herself.

MB, Edinburgh,

I do most of the housework, because I am mostly home with the kids. However, when my hubby is home, he is MORE than willing to help around the house. I choose to try to get as much as possible done during my kids' naps, that way hubby and I can have the evening together -- when I'm not working during the evening. We both think that this works wonderfully well.

Kimberley, Niceville, FL

Why is there a presumption that men and women should do an equal share of the housework? My partner is at home all day looking after our children, while I am out of the house for 12 hours each day earning a living. I have my job and in my view her job is to do the majority of housework. I do "help" her out, but that it was it is, helping her.
Division of housework should not be drawn on lines of sex, but when included with all labour, on lines of who has the most time left. Before I worked full time I did the majority of the housework, because I had time to, even though my partner didnt worj at all.

Damian, Guildford, Surrey

I'm not allowed to help out as it will not be to her 'high' standards and I'll only interrupt her routine.
One mystery is why everything has a place in a drawer or a cupboard (even the bath plug) except her beauty 'products' which take centre stage in the bathroom.

Martin, Almeria, Spain

And that is a big reason that you get men find they are getting less sex. If you can not do your part in the rest of the home, women are too tired or just too irritated by the idea that we can either live in filth or do it all. I have several married male friends who let us all know they "help" their wives around the house. That very statement is so annoying in implying it is her job and anything he does to "help" should be awarded a gold star.

Janna , scottsdale, arizona

I think I must be one of the very few lucky ones!! After twelve years of marriage my husband does nearly all of the ironing, most of the washing, always vacuum cleans, baths and showers are down to him as are the windows on all three floors. He does the dusting too, and hangs out the washing. In fact he does pretty much everything apart from the cooking!

sh, Hampshire, UK

Where's the big surprise in this change of behaviour? Exactly who is supposed to be surprised here?

Scott, Durham, NC, USA