'I'll do that!' and then he doesn't: The Weapons Sexist Men Use series

...and then he's mad when you do it. Remember not to nag, make him feel bad, or ever hold him accountable.

It’s an experience familiar to just about any woman in an inequitable relationship:

Her husband agrees to do something. Maybe he volunteers, or perhaps she reminds him.

Then he doesn’t do it. So eventually, she does it. Or she reminds him to do it.

And how does he respond? If you’ve been in this situation, you don’t need me to tell you: He gets angry.

“I was going to do it. Why are you so controlling?”

“Not everything can be done on your exact timeline, you know!”

“I’m so sick of you martyring yourself to punish me!”

“If you’re not going to give me a chance to succeed, why should I even bother?”

“Stop nagging me!”

“I can’t do anything right in your eyes.”