DISCLAIMER: I am not looking down upon stay-at-home moms or housewives (I understand that they have full time jobs as well) AND if there are any guys out there that DO help their wives, girlfriends, and moms around the house, it seems that you are a rare breed (at least around my town) and we appreciate the help.

For as long as I can remember my parents have had their individual chores around the house.  My mom cooks, cleans, does the laundry and deals with anything having to do with us children all while having a full time job outside of the house. My dad, who also has a full time job, sticks to the yard work, car maintenance, house maintenance, etc. Both of my parent grew up in households where the women were expected to do the typical "housewife chores" (their words, not mine).

The thing is, my mom can mow the lawn, she can change a tire, she can change the oil in our cars AND she can do everything else that she already does (I have seen it all) but, I have NEVER witnessed my dad do a load of laundry, cook anything besides steak/TV dinners, or wash a single dish.  I don't know a single grown man who is in a relationship and still does their own laundry or cooks their own dinner.  It seems that the stereotype of the '50s housewife has evolved from "a woman's place is in the kitchen" to "a woman's place is in the kitchen and the garage and the backyard and the office and the..." while a small percentage of men have truly included the "womanly chores" to their resume.

Why do you think this is? Do you know of any men who defeat this stereotype?