2. Be specific about what you want. You have to ask for help, as previously established. However, if you say, "honey, will you help me out around the house?" you will probably get a half hearted effort. The help may be that he throws his dirty socks in the laundry. So, rather than a vague request for help, say, "Will you do the dishes?" or "Will you take the garbage out?"

3. Make it more appealing. One great way to get your husband to help out around the house is to add incentive, or at least not make it as awful for him. So, say "Will you fold laundry while you watch TV?" this means they still get to do what they want, and make you happy at the same time. Or you could say, "If you get the living room cleaned up while I clean the bathroom, we could probably make the 3:30 showing of (insert new movie title here)." This adds incentive for him to do it now, rather than later. It is not that men are opposed to chipping in as much as it may be that they have "better things" to do.

4. Appreciate and compliment. Ok, even though he does not notice or thank you every time you clean something up in the house, you need to do that for him. If you point it out every time he helps, and let him know how much you appreciate it and how much it makes your life easier, he will be more inclined to continue chipping in. Everyone likes to be noticed when they do something nice, and everyone loves compliments, so fuel his desire to help out by playing to these vanities. A little lip service from you will result in him chipping in a lot more often.

5. Never criticize when they help. Most women have been cleaning the house by themselves so long they have an efficient way of doing things. They know just how to load the dishwasher to make the most of the space. So, when their husband loads the dishwasher, and he fits only 10 glasses and 6 bowls on the top shelf, it is easy to point it out. However, if you do, he will probably never voluntarily load the dishwasher again. If he makes the bed, and the sheet is hanging out the side of the comforter, just tuck it in and keep it to yourself. Just think of it this way, "at least he made the bed!" This does not mean deal with them doing it wrong forever, it just means don't criticize when they contribute, maybe a few days later you can load the dishwasher with him, and show him how to fit more.

Getting your husband to help put around the house does not happen overnight, but if you are patient, and straight forward (men aren't good at hints), then you will likely get the help you need.