How to Fairly Share Cooking Duties with Your Other Half (Without Starting WW3)

Let’s be honest—nothing tests a relationship quite like figuring out whose turn it is to make dinner after a long day. 

You’re both tired, both hungry, and both eyeing the microwave meal like it’s a lifeline. 

But fear not! With a bit of planning, a touch of humour, and a healthy dose of passive-aggressive fridge notes, you can share cooking duties fairly—and maybe even enjoy it.

Here’s how to avoid a domestic drama that would put EastEnders to shame.

1. Have "The Chat" (Brace Yourself)

Not that chat. The other dreaded one: “What’s for dinner?” Instead of lobbing it back and forth like a hot potato, sit down (ideally not when you’re both hangry) and talk about how you can split the work. Be honest. Be kind. Try not to mention that one time they set fire to a jacket potato.

2. Consider Your Schedules (and Energy Levels)

Maybe you’re the early riser with energy to roast a chicken before work, while your partner’s idea of a morning starts with hitting snooze five times. Or maybe one of you commutes and the other works from home (which definitely doesn’t mean they’ve got time to prep a five-course feast between Zoom calls).

Look at your week realistically. If Monday is curry-in-a-hurry night and Friday is officially “Let’s just get a chippy” night, plan around that.

3. Play to Your Strengths (or At Least Avoid Your Weaknesses)

Are you the Queen or King of a slow cooker? Can you poach an egg without it looking like a jellyfish crime scene? Brilliant. Own your skills. Meanwhile, if your partner once tried to grill toast and set off the fire alarm, maybe they’re better off on salad duty. Or just making the tea. We all have our place.

4. Do a Weekly Meal Plan Like the Organised Couple You Pretend to Be

It’s not glamorous, but it stops you from staring into the fridge at 6pm wondering if half a cucumber, a questionable block of cheddar, and three eggs constitute a meal (spoiler: they don’t).

Use a whiteboard, a meal planner pad, or the notes app that you both definitely forget to check. Plan meals, assign who’s cooking what, and leave space for leftovers or a cheeky takeaway.

5. Divide the Whole Process (Yes, That Includes Washing Up)

Cooking isn’t just the actual cooking. There’s chopping, stirring, timing, shouting “Where’s the bloody colander?” and cleaning up the chaos afterwards. Maybe one of you cooks, the other washes up. Or one does the main and the other handles sides or dessert (read: scoops ice cream into bowls while trying not to eat it all en route).

6. Make It a Team Effort (Or a Competitive Sport)

Cooking together can be fun—pop on some music, pour a glass of wine, and pretend you're in the M&S advert. Or take turns and rate each other’s meals like a low-stakes version of Come Dine With Me. Bonus points for presentation. Points deducted for forgetting to defrost the mince. Again.

7. Accept That Sometimes, Beans on Toast Is Fine

Not every night needs to be a culinary masterpiece. If you’re both knackered, it’s perfectly valid to declare “tonight’s dinner is toast” and be done with it. Slap on some Marmite, call it rustic, and move on.

8. Keep the Peace—It’s Not a Scoreboard

Resist the urge to start keeping track of who’s done what. “Well I cooked Tuesday and Thursday and did the roast on Sunday” is a slippery slope to resentment (and probably a dinner of cold shoulder).

Instead, focus on what feels fair overall. If one of you’s been slammed with work, the other can pick up the slack. And next week, it might switch. That’s the joy of teamwork (and marriage, apparently).

Final Thoughts: It's All About Balance (and Not Burning the Garlic Bread)

Sharing cooking duties with your other half isn’t just about divvying up chores. It’s about communicating, compromising, and understanding that sometimes, the best thing for your relationship is a night off and a Tesco Finest ready meal.

Remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about partnership. And maybe, just maybe, having a few emergency fish fingers in the freezer.

Sharing Food and Drinks with Your Pet Bird: Dos and Don'ts

Having a pet bird is a delightful experience. These feathered friends bring joy and companionship into our lives.

As pet owners, we often want to share our food and drinks with them, but it’s crucial to know what is safe and what is not. 

This blog post will guide you on the food and drinks you can share with your pet bird and those you should avoid.

Safe Foods and Drinks for Your Pet Bird

1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

Birds thrive on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some safe options include:

Apples: Remove the seeds, as they contain cyanide.

Bananas: A great source of potassium.

Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and good for their vision.

Broccoli: Full of vitamins and minerals.

Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants.

2. Whole Grains:

Birds can enjoy a range of whole grains, such as:

Brown Rice: A good source of fibre and nutrients.

Oats: Great for digestion and energy.

Quinoa: A complete protein source.

3. Nuts and Seeds:

Many birds love nuts and seeds, but they should be given in moderation due to high fat content.

Almonds: Offer unsalted and in small pieces.

Pumpkin Seeds: Full of nutrients and birds enjoy cracking them open.

4. Legumes:

Cooked legumes can be a nutritious treat.

Lentils: Rich in protein and fibre.

Chickpeas: Packed with protein and minerals.

5. Water:

Always ensure your bird has access to fresh, clean water. It’s the best drink for them.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

1. Avocado:

Avocado contains persin, which is toxic to birds and can cause serious health issues or even death.

2. Chocolate:

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to birds. Even small amounts can be harmful.

3. Caffeine:

Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soft drinks can cause cardiac distress in birds.

4. Alcohol:

Alcohol is toxic to birds and should never be given to them under any circumstances.

5. Salty Foods:

Excessive salt can lead to dehydration and kidney failure in birds. Avoid giving them crisps, pretzels, and other salty snacks.

6. Onions and Garlic:

These can cause digestive problems and even lead to haemolytic anaemia in birds.

7. Fruit Seeds and Pits:

While many fruits are safe, their seeds and pits can be toxic. Always remove seeds from apples, cherries, and peaches before offering the fruit to your bird.

8. Junk Food:

Processed foods, sugary treats, and fried foods are unhealthy for birds. Stick to natural, whole foods to keep your feathered friend healthy.

Conclusion

Sharing your meals with your pet bird can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it’s essential to know what’s safe and what’s not. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can be great additions to your bird’s diet. However, always avoid foods and drinks that are toxic to birds, such as avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.

By providing a balanced and nutritious diet, you’ll ensure that your feathered friend stays happy and healthy. Always consult with an avian vet if you have any doubts about what to feed your bird. Remember, a well-informed pet owner makes for a happy, healthy bird!