In 2024, the age-old debate over household chores remains a hot-button issue, igniting fierce discussions on social media worldwide. A viral post titled “Get in the bin, you absolute child”: 30 of the worst excuses women got from men over chores has captured widespread attention by spotlighting the absurd and sometimes hilarious justifications men have offered to avoid their share of housework.
The collection of excuses, shared across popular social platforms, highlights an ongoing struggle many women face—balancing home responsibilities while navigating partners who find creative ways to sidestep mundane tasks. From hilarious to downright baffling, these excuses range from the trivially dismissive to the uncomfortably revealing.
“Get in the bin, you absolute child” was one of the most striking phrases from the thread, illustrating the patronizing tone some men adopt when challenged on their lack of contribution. Other excuses revealed a more peculiar resistance to participating in everyday chores.
Among the most common and outrageous claims were promises like, “I told you I’d let my cleaning lady go as soon as I get a break,” effectively passing the household burden to an external helper indefinitely. This excuse subtly exposes a reliance on paid domestic help rather than sharing chores equally in the domestic sphere.
Others included bizarre rationales such as “I’m tired from work,” “It’s not a man’s job,” or even the outright refusal under the guise of “I cleaned once; now it’s your turn forever.” Many also cited unrealistic or humorous reasons like “The bin doesn’t match my mood today” or “I only vacuum on odd-numbered days.”
Psychologists and relationship experts observing the phenomenon say these excuses reflect deeper issues rooted in traditional gender roles, communication gaps, and power dynamics in households. Experts emphasize that chores are not just about cleanliness but also about respect and partnership. When chores become battlegrounds for control or avoidance, they impact relationship health and emotional well-being.
The social media post not only amused viewers but also sparked widespread conversations about how chores are divided in modern relationships. Many women expressed frustration that despite progress toward equality, the mental and physical load of housework remains disproportionately on them.
Conversely, some men admitted to recognizing their laziness or outdated views after reading the list and pledged to change their habits. The humorous yet candid confessions gave the post a relatable tone, encouraging more open dialogue about household responsibilities.
Interestingly, the viral thread also revealed cultural differences around chores, with some users noting that in certain countries, hiring cleaning help remains common, while others champion full equality at home. This diversity further underscores the complexity of household labor negotiations in a globalized world.
As the conversation continues to trend, the ultimate takeaway is clear: sharing chores is fundamental to fostering equality and harmony in relationships. Women—and men—are calling for a cultural shift that moves away from excuses and towards active participation and respect.
For now, the >30 worst excuses compiled remain a humorous yet telling snapshot of the ongoing chore wars. Whether it’s a dismissive quip like “Get in the bin, you absolute child” or the ever-classic “I’m too tired,” these lines serve as a reminder that when it comes to housework, words only get you so far.
It’s actions, not excuses, that keep a home and relationship thriving.
