Get the kids their own room on vacation!

This thing restarted again - what the heck.

These tips are from The Husband Book: A Guy's Guide To Marriage by Harry Harrison Junior, which I plan to give to my brother for his wedding.

Chores

Don't think there are women's chores and men's chores. You could wind up sleeping on the couch.

Don't think that you can go play golf while she cleans the house and does the cooking. Another couch causer.

Don't confuse obsessions with chores. If you're obsessed with having an award-winning yard, don't expect her to share your enthusiasm or concern.

If you think laundry is a woman's job, you've lost contact with reality.

Teach your children to be useful around the house and the yard. This will pay off years later.

Realize that a man's natural inclination around the house is to put things off, while a woman's is to strike before the sun's up.

Teach your kids to take care of their chores before they go have fun. It will save your wife's sanity and help prepare your kids for the real world.

Learn when to call an expert. Don't install a garbage disposal just because your neighbor has a nifty new blowtorch. You'll still have to call a repairman... only now it's going to be really expensive.

Don't assume that because she's a she, she knows how to sew.

Plant flowers for her. Do everything within your power to ensure they won't die.

Never let her feel that all the housework is up to her.

Fold the laundry. Half of it's yours anyway.


Vacations

Don't make the mistake of believing that just being with you is a vacation.

Fly first-class when it's just the two of you, even when you can't afford it.

Realize she needs a vacation as much as you do.

If you have kids, buy the biggest mode of transportation you can afford, ideally with bucket seats in back so nobody has to touch.

Don't complain about money the whole trip. In fact, figure out how much you can spend, then make it a point to spend every penny.

Don't go crazy when things inevitably go wrong. Your reaction will dictate whether the family can relax and laugh about it, or be miserable.

When travelling with the kids, get them their own room.

If you're driving, get a map. And for once in your life, be willing to ask directions.

Resolve to take one family vacation a year. Not one a decade.

You'll want to get there in a hurry. She'll want to enjoy the drive. It's up to you to compromise.

Get away with her alone at least once a year. Even if only for a weekend.

Remember, a trip with just her is a vacation. A vacation with her and the kids is a trip. Maybe a fun trip. But a trip.

Time-share condos are great deals, if the housework is also shared.

As the kids get older, they'll want to do things by themselves. Like ski. Or golf. Or snorkel. Or go to the clubs. Which is not ALL bad news.

She doesn't want to go to Disney World with you. She wants MAUI. (See "Sex.")

Stay in a suite with her.

Order room service for her.

Some weekend, take her to a bed-and-breakfast inn in the country. Even if you miss a football game.

Take her shopping in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or overseas. (See "Sex.")

Once in your life, book a surprise vacation, just for the two of you.

Even if you've lost your job, don't cancel your vacation plans with her. Find a way to go.