The Key to Domestic Bliss

Like most of you, last night I claimed the TV for the Oscars. My husband was less than thrilled that he had to sit through red carpet interviews (especially those involving Kathy Ireland ... lay off the happy pills, lady!) and deal with my constant need to discuss what the stars were wearing. This was not his ideal Sunday night, but he sucked it up and even chimed in that he thought Anna Kendrick looked “classy.”

Unfortunately, this benevolent gesture will come back to bite me in the ass the next time he wants to watch something that I don’t. (I see a lot of C-span in my future…)

I’m sure you are all too familiar with the constant bargaining over who gets the “good TV”. You have sat through cartoons created for grown men, and he may have unfortunately witnessed Kourtney Kardashian giving birth (which I am still seriously traumatized over ... anyone else?).

However, you two may be equally obsessed with Law & Order: SVU (who would have thought a show about vicious felonies could be the key to spending quality time together?), Modern Family and Glee. (Guess which two "gleeks" are going to see it on Broadway?! Don’t hate…)

But sharing the remote is only half the battle. You need to share dishwasher unloading responsibilities, the bathroom, closet space, and bags of pita chips (which is especially unfair if he eats a lot faster than you). If he does something that’s really bothering you (like being incapable of changing a toilet paper roll), communicate before it escalates! There’s nothing worse than stewing for days and then unleashing the fury on your usually clueless cohabiter.

And remember, living with you may not always be a walk in the park for him either. He’s not used to lip gloss spilling out of every drawer or twenty different bottles of shampoo (that he’s not allowed to use) taking over the shower. But at least he finally believes you that drying your hair really does take that long.

So when in doubt, just remember what you learned in kindergarten. Sharing is caring, people.

What are your tips for domestic bliss?