Every situation is different, of course, but I would say that whether the husband should share house chores largely depends on A) Whether the woman works, and B) Whether the couple has children. If both the husband and the wife have full-time jobs outside the house, yet it is only the wife who is expected to come home from work and do all the household chores, I do not see how it is fair or justified. This was the situation in my family when growing up: mom did it all, and it infuriated me to no end. In fact, I think my solemn vow to never get married (broken 7 years ago) can be attributed to it.

However, if the husband works and the wife stays home, it is only fair that she does the majority of house chores, if not all of them. This is our situation right now; I have a part-time Internet-based business that I run from home, and my husband works full time and overtime, plus he manages to do some house remodeling when he is home. I cannot see myself asking him to help with cooking or laundry; while he is perfectly capable of doing both, there is just no such need, neither would it be fair of me.

I have heard many wives who stay at home while their husband works say that they view housework as their "job," and I think it is a very good approach. While it is hardly the job of our dreams for most of us, viewing it as a "job" helps to put things in the right perspective and avoid feeling resentful about having to do it. He's got his job, I've got mine. He does not have his job because he loves it but because we – both of us – need money; I have mine because these things need to be done – also for both of us. Fair enough.

When children enter the picture, the situation becomes more complicated. The woman's workload grows considerably, especially if there are several young children at home. She no longer works full time, she works 24/7, and I think it can be expected of the husband to pitch in and help. I am not talking about sharing the load 50/50; that is hardly possible with the husband's full time job and probably overtime since the family expenses have grown as well. Just doing what you can and when you can will be a tremendous and much appreciated help.