Back in 2001, Gerry McLaughlin posted a list of tips for wives of contractors. Some of these may be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but as Chaucer and others have noted, sometimes the truth is best expressed in jest. Even though the list is specifically addressed to “wives,” most of its principles could also apply to husbands or any other significant relationship with a shared household income and responsibilities.

Many of the items in McLaughlin’s list deal with the situation in which the contractor is looking for work, and the spouse feels compelled to crack the whip to keep the contractor motivated. Anyone who has been on the receiving end of that whip can tell you that it is anything but motivating. In fact, it’s a symptom of an unhealthy relationship in which the spouse does not trust the contractor to be responsible, and therefore assumes the role of a parent to a wayward child. These sorts of relationship issues will infect far more than your consulting career. If you’re experiencing similar treatment, you need to address it more broadly than this list of dos and don’ts.

Perhaps the most telling item in the list is the final one:

Lastly, women imagine that if they lower a man’s self-esteem then he won’t have the confidence or self-belief to stray with another woman. The opposite will be the case. It will be such a relief to talk to someone of the opposite sex who makes him feel good and wanted again, and who doesn’t give him the grief that you do.

Here’s one item that TechRepublic member Bob Eisenhardt (reisen55) said he would add to the list:

Please understand that sending me a check is not my clients’ number one priority. It isn’t a slight against you or me if they’re late. I’ll take care of gently reminding them.

Ultimately, a relationship is about finding mutual meaning and support. If that isn’t happening, or isn’t going in both directions, watch out!

What do you think about this list? What would you add to it?

Thanks to Bob Eisenhardt for the link.