: Does anyone else live with a significant other, that just doesn't understand?

If ya can't beat 'em, join 'em.

I couldn't ever talk my wife into taking up kayaking with me. 2 reasons--I'm too obsessed and "hard core" (her words), and I bugged her about it too much.

She loves canoeing, so I'm building us a canoe this winter.

and....

Tell them the home improvement projects can't proceed without their able assistance. We're going to tile our kitchen floor, but I had my wife attend one of the Home Depot workshops before we started, and I had _her_ teach me how to do it. We started with one bathroom as a warm-up. She feels a lot more "ownership" in the tiled bathroom floor than she has with any of the jobs I've done alone.

Now I'm finishing the Cormorant before starting the kitchen floor. Why do I get to? I won't start until she's ready for _us_ to start the job. Knowing how long it took to do the bathroom (a long weekend), I think she's taking a break before tackling the kitchen, fine with me. When she's ready and willing to start tearing up the ugly carpet, laying Wonderboard, and setting tile, I'll gladly* drop the Cormorant or canoe and help her get it done. Make it their decision to take the time (that you can steal away to the shop unnoticed), rather than yours. It's much easier!!

It's just like kids. Don't ask, "Would you like some carrots?", as it's a yes or no answer. Ask, "Would you like carrots OR brussels sprouts". Give them a choice, but steer the options!!

Shawn

*This is the key--when they say, "go", you've gotta be ready and willing to go. Besides, if they're working beside you, the work is more fun, and there's a lot less nagging happening in the project.