It’s inevitable, couples argue. Sometimes one of the two is having a bad day and something sets them off. Maybe it’s something that wouldn’t normally cause a fight, but on this day it does. It could be for a number of reasons, a bad day at work, a long ride in traffic, someone being rude, receiving bad news, their favorite sports team lost, or they’re just inexplicably feeling irritated or angry.
For whatever reason couples argue, there are some reasons that are more common than others. The company Method Cleaning Products commissioned One Poll to find out which arguments are most common. Many things on this list may seem innocuous, but the study says, “59 percent admit their domestic disputes can lead to the complete breakdown of the relationship.” They also discovered that “13 percent [get] into an argument about [some topics] on a daily basis.” Not surprisingly the study also found that “5 percent of women cohabiting with a male partner agree household tasks are disproportionately split,” and “more than half” of women believe they’re doing most of the work in the household.
Let’s check out the list and see if your and your partner’s arguments are a match to the study.
Leaving Lights On
Bedroom home interior with a cushion, wooden bed, bedside table and lamp at a luxury boutique hotel, Mendoza, Mendoza Province, Argentina, South America. (Photo by: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
This is a ridiculous argument. I work with someone who hates this. Lightbulbs are extremely efficient nowadays so if cost is the issue, it’s inconsequential.
Leaving the Toilet Seat Up
EAST DUBLIN, GA – JULY 10: Chris “Skillet” Davison aims his plastic toilet seat at the target during the Redneck Horseshoe contest in the 9th Annual Summer Redneck Games July 10, 2004 in East Dublin, Georgia. (Photo by Stephen Morton/Getty Images)
I never understood this one for two reasons. First is the common guy’s answer, “look before you sit,” and secondly, if it bothers your partner, JUST PUT THE SEAT DOWN WHEN YOU’RE DONE! It’s not that hard.
Not Putting Dishes Away
Cleaned utensils in open dishwasher
This one makes sense because if you’re leaving them out for your partner to put away, it’s disrespectful, and it can be upsetting to feel that the one you love (or like a lot) is taking you for granted.
Starting but Not Completing Housework
Bonn, Germany – January 14: In this photo illustration is cleaning bucket with cleaning products on a floor of a kitchenon January 14, 2021 in Bonn, Germany. (Photo by Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images)
If you start something finish it! It’s not that hard. If you get distracted and forget about it let your partner know that you’ve forgotten and will hop on it right away. Leaving the vacuum in the middle of a half-done room can cause some tension if you don’t apologize and take responsibility.
Whose Turn it is to Clean the Floor
Detail of a man cleaning a wooden kitchen floor with a mop and bucket, taken on March 3, 2018. (Photo by Olly Curtis/T3 Magazine/Future via Getty Images)
I’m no expert, but I think taking turns doesn’t work. You should each agree on who is going to do what. I’ll vacuum if you dust or I’ll cook if you do the laundry. It works for my wife and me, but it’s not for everybody. You also have to agree that the way the chores are split and even,
Not Squeegeeing the Shower after Showering
Close-up of a stainless steel shower with tiled wall. (Photo by Quick Image/Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images)
This is ridiculous and here’s why…squeegeeing is fun! You can also just agree that it’s not really necessary and not do it.
Leaving Dirty Clothes on the Floor
Crystal Wilkinson age 17 and a junior is instructed by teacher Linda Cooper (left) to pick up the laundry on the floor as she wears the “Empathy Belly” ( which simulates pregnancy in the 8th month) in a parenting class at Simi Valley High School. (Photo by Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Once in a while if you’re in a hurry, but totally unacceptable. This seems to usually be the guy who is used to his mother cleaning up after him and hasn’t grown up yet.
Dropping Crumbs in Bed
Japanese-born artist and musician Yoko Ono and British musican and artist John Lennon (1940 – 1980) sit together on a bed, December 1968. (Photo by Susan Wood/Getty Images)
This is totally legitimate if you’ve ever slept in crumbs. There’s nothing wrong with eating in bed, but you gotta keep it neat. As with everything else, clean up after yourself!
Not Dusting Properly
(GERMANY OUT) Haushalt, Hausputz, Hausfrau mit Staubwedel beim Abstauben eines Bildes (Photo by Stefan Klein/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Out of all the chores, this is the easiest one. For the love of Hummel, move the knick-knack and dust the entire shelf.
