Why Sharing Housework Is Good for Your Health (and Your Marriage)

Scrubbing the toilet or folding laundry might not sound like the key to happiness. But research shows that sharing the work at home helps build a stronger relationship and even leads to better health.

A study from the University of Gdańsk looked at how splitting household duties impacts men, their partners, and their well-being.

The results are clear.

Couples who share responsibilities at home are happier, healthier, and more satisfied in their relationships.

So what’s holding us back?

The Old-School Mindset

Many of us grew up thinking that being a good man means earning money and staying out of the kitchen. But sticking to that old model can actually hurt both your health and your relationship.

In countries where equality is part of the culture, like Norway, men are more likely to help at home. They also report better mental health, lower rates of depression, and stronger marriages.

On the flip side, in countries with more traditional gender roles, men often feel stuck. They work long hours and miss out on the benefits of connecting with their families in day-to-day life.

Why Do Men Pull Back?

Even men who want to do more at home can hesitate. The study found several reasons for this:

• Some worry that doing "women’s work" will make them look weak or less manly

• Others feel like they’re not good at it, especially if their partner criticizes how they clean or cook

• A lot of guys feel too burned out from work to think about house chores

• Many couples never talk about who’s doing what, so they fall into uneven patterns without meaning to

But ignoring the issue can cause resentment and stress, for both people in the relationship.

What Happens When You Do Your Part?

When men get more involved at home, here’s what happens according to the research:

• Less stress and fewer arguments for both partners

• Stronger romantic connection and better intimacy

• Better physical health, including lower blood pressure

• A deeper bond with the kids

• Lower chances of divorce

And here’s the wild part. Even showing a willingness to help more at home can improve your partner’s satisfaction with the relationship.

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Related: Read more of our Household Chores articles.

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Practical Tips to Be a Better Teammate

You don’t have to suddenly become a vacuuming expert or master chef. But if you're ready to build a stronger partnership, here are a few steps you can take.

1. Talk It Out

Sit down with your partner and ask what’s working and what’s not. This is not about blame. It’s about teaming up to build a system that works for both of you.

2. Share the Load Fairly

Use a system like the Fair Play Method to list out all the tasks you both do at home. That includes not just cleaning and cooking but also things like scheduling appointments or planning vacations. Choose tasks that you can fully manage from start to finish.

3. Step Up Without Being Asked

Don’t wait for a to-do list. If you see dishes in the sink, clean them. If the trash is full, take it out. When you notice something needs to be done, just do it.

4. Don’t Aim for Perfection

Your partner might have higher standards for how things are done. Talk about what “good enough” looks like so you’re both on the same page. If she redoes your work, don’t get discouraged. You're both learning how to be better partners.

5. Support Each Other’s Goals

If your partner has a big week at work, offer to handle more at home. Then ask for the same support when you need it. Home is a shared space, not a job for just one person.

Why It Matters

Helping at home isn’t about being less of a man. It’s about being a better partner, a stronger father, and a healthier person. You get more quality time with your family. You show your kids what respect and teamwork look like. And your relationship gets better too.

At Modern Husbands, we believe the best relationships are built on partnership. That includes money, parenting, and yes, even housework.

So next time you see a pile of laundry or an empty fridge, remember this. Pitching in at home is one of the smartest moves you can make for your relationship and your health.

Support for Your Future

I support couples who want to better manage money or the home as a team in their relationship.

I'm the only Accredited Financial Counselor® and Fair Play Facilitator®, empowering high-achieving couples with systems to manage money and the home as a team — drawn from decades of national leadership and lived experience.

Click here to schedule a free 15 minute exploratory call.