How Do I Tell My Girlfriend That She Needs to do More?

The title pretty much summarizes everything up. Also, using a throw away account.

I (29M) and my girlfriend (31F) have been dating for approximately two years. Because of the world being so expensive, both of us still live with our parents and usually see each other on the weekends. I am planning to purchase a house in the near future, but it will be in only my name because I, fortunately, have enough savings to make it work. To me, the next logical step in the relationship is for her to move in once the house is purchased. We both understand, if it doesn’t pan out between us she would obviously have to find her own place to live.

She has previously stayed with me for consecutive days at my parents’ house while they are away. I find this to be an excellent trial run of what to expect as far as how each of us live day-to-day. This past experience has me very concerned. She doesn’t do a whole lot to help. I do the dishes, make the food, and put things back where they belong (i.e., condiments, chip bags, throwing away garbage). She will help when I ask, but I’ve noticed she will try to get away before I can ask for help and likely knows I’m less likely to ask once she sits down. For example, I washed both of our cars and before I could ask her to help putting the hose and other items away, she went back inside. As a side note, I didn’t get a “thank you” for doing her car, which got under my skin too.

My concern is she doesn’t care too much because this is not her house, and this will translate over when I eventually purchase my house. She sometimes offers to help with things, but it’s become less frequent. Although I like things clean and a certain way (not to a crazy extent), I don’t want to constantly follow her around to clean up messes. I’m not very confrontational and don’t have the best communication skills, so this has been weighing on me. Can’t ask family or friends, because it’ll be met with the “just breakup”, which I don’t want to do. That being said, I reluctantly turn to the internet for help.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help!

Posted Aug 11, 2025, 1:21 PM UTC

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