Relationships 

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Clutter crisis

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4. Make a deal: Men love deals and the art of compromise, notes Hodson. Your husband is more likely to agree to a deal where he can make a mess 'here' but not 'there' than a full-on order to keep the home clutter-free at all times. Do this by identifying areas where he can pile up and throw down to his heart's content.

5. Give him his turn: Ask him if there's any habit of yours that drives him crazy. This shows you're willing to compromise your own behaviour, and he may fall for it hook, line and sinker. If he sees you change some of your ways, he may follow suit.

6. Do your part: Ask yourself how often you praise or reinforce your partner. If you only criticise him, he's less likely to listen to your negative comments about his inability to be tidy. Tell him you love it when he rubs your back or goes to the supermarket for you and hint that you'd appreciate it if he helped with the housework. When he does listen and makes an effort to improve, offer some praise.

7. Wait it out: Kick his newspapers, odd cufflinks and year-old receipts onto his side of the room and don't pick up his dirty clothes. When he finally runs out of shirts or trousers, he may have an epiphany. When he asks why freshly cleaned clothes don't automatically appear anymore, you can tell him it's because he's not maintaining his part of the bargain. Remind him that in a relationship there's no reason why he shouldn't share 50% of the daily tasks around the home.

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