My DH was always a "neat freak" and I was the "tornado". He hated shoes on in the house, dirty clothes on the floor, throwing away leftovers, dishes left in the sink, etc. I on the other hand kept things neat where people could see, and just stuffed things away where they couldn't. Now the roles are reversed and I am essentially the maid around here. He will help, but can't seem to take clothes from the basket to the drawers, or clean dishes from the dishwasher to the cupboard. Oh, and underwear stays on the bathroom floor until I move it. I actually let it pile up for a week before he noticed. We are very happy as a couple, 10 years of marriage, so I guess that's the "small stuff" I choose not to sweat.
I do agree though that you need to get out on your own. I lived by myself for a year before we married and it was a great learning experience. The bills kept coming, and I had to pay them. I got ants from not doing the dishes every night. The fridge broke and I had to fix it. I got a $300.00 water bill from the toilet running, and me not knowing it. Going to sleep at night alone, getting up multiple times to check that everything was locked. Hearing a bar fight from my window, wondering do I call the police? Locking myself out, climbing through an upstairs window to get in. It doesn't sound like too much fun, but good experience that I wouldn't trade. Good luck!!
Sally
