ALL WORK and no play

Jill and David had been working harder than ever, but would they find time to work on their marriage?

What’s wrong, Jill?’ Liz plonked herself down opposite me. ‘And don’t say “nothing”.’

I could fool most people, most of the time, but not my sister.

‘Since David and I swapped roles, I feel as though we’re drifting apart.’ I frowned. ‘He’s taken this whole househusband thing too far. He practically lives in a pinny.’

Liz chuckled. ‘I’d be delighted if Jack did that.’

‘Believe me,’ I sighed, ‘there’s nothing remotely attractive about a man wearing an apron.’

‘That depends.’ Liz’s face took on a dreamy expression. ‘I could fancy Russell Crowe in an apron, that’s for sure.’

‘I’m being serious, Liz.’ I stirred my coffee a bit too hard.

‘Swapping roles sounded great on paper – and being a freelance designer, he can easily work from home and I was sick and tired of working plus doing most of the housework. With my promotion, it was getting out of hand. I just didn’t expect him to enjoy it quite as much. He takes it all in his stride.’

Liz smiled. ‘Would you rather he couldn’t cope?’

‘Of course not,’ I fibbed. ‘The house has never been so clean. He even keeps on top of the ironing! Last night, he offered to massage my shoulders. It was so relaxing, I dozed off.’