DEAR ABBY: I am fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom. My days are spent doing chores and taking care of the kids. I also volunteer at their schools, but I do find time for other pursuits, such as reading and writing.
My problem is my husband. “Bob” is the kind of guy who can’t sit still. When he’s home on weekends or taking a day off, he constantly needs to be doing something. This involves projects around the house. Because he’s always on the go, he insists I should be equally “productive.” He constantly wants to know what I’m doing, and if it’s not something he thinks is useful, he becomes passive-aggressive. Bob initiates big projects and then complains that he gets no help and has no time for himself.
He says my volunteerism takes away from time I should be doing things around the house. In addition, Bob is incredibly neat and often insists that our immaculate house needs to be cleaned.
I dread the days he’s home because I have to constantly justify my activities or feel guilty if I’m not busy the entire time. Don’t misunderstand — Bob is a great guy, a good dad and my best friend. But I’m afraid I will soon resent him to the point of dislike if I must live my life according to his unrealistic expectations. Any advice other than to seek counseling? — Not a Loafer
Dear Not a Loafer: Nope. It appears that your great guy is so controlling he makes you miserable when he’s home. I agree that if this continues, it will have a negative effect on your marriage. The person who should explain this to him is a licensed mental health professional who can provide the counseling and/or medication he may need, because I suspect he may have OCD.
Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
