Spousonomics: Doing Dishes + Putting Out = Happily Ever After

You’d never know by looking at my Mint.com financial summary, but I took a few economics courses in college: Back when I was in the habit of “interdisciplinary studies,” I extended my knowledge of supply and demand to all kinds of liberal theories, but I never considered applying rules of the market to marriage. That’s probably because — like prenups and joint bank accounts — thinking about relationships in terms of money is one of the least romantic ways to relate to your partner. Enter Paula Szuchman and Jenny Anderson and their new book, Spousonomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage, and Dirty Dishes. If you’re a hopeless pragmatic, their analysis will provide you unparalleled relief from all the ooey, gooey romantic stuff this Valentine’s Day.

Here’s a summary of what they say is the secret to a happy marriage, as broken down by Szuchman, who’s guest blogging for The Wall Street Journal this week:

1. Talk less.

2. Lose weight.

3. Do the dishes.

4. Put out.

5. Scheme.

We used certain expletives to express our shock at their tips for marital bliss. Sure, when we read the explanations, we were somewhat relieved to find more than 1950′s sexist babble to back up their talking points (which are clearly meant to make us react in expletive form). But in general, we’re not sure that this particular social science is lending a huge hand to the institution of marriage and healthy relationships. (Note: Szuchman’s Wall Street Journal column was expressly written to a female audience; she isn’t advising that men shut up, put out, and lose weight.)

Does your marriage philosophy include old-fashioned rules like these? Tell us what’s gotten you and your spouse through to this Valentine’s Day, in the comments section below:

via Wall Street Journal