While I am a bit untidy it didn’t become an issue until we married and set up house!

I think my housekeeping is fine. The house is reasonably tidy and comfortable in fact homely!

However, Bill (not his real name) cannot bear a thing out of place. He even wants the venetian blinds the same length from the sill when they are half open (when he leaves for work he stands outside to check that they are suitably matched).

He doesn’t like anything on the kitchen benches unless in use and worst of all if I make a cup of tea, stir it and leave the spoon on the bench he grabs the dish cloth, washes the whole bench top while cursing and swearing! And I must place the cup on the saucer with the handle on the right side!

This may seem trivial but it is very difficult to live with. I feel he is never satisfied with whatever I do ?

I am now wondering what he will be like when we have children?

Our advice is to act now! Persuade your husband to go to a counsellor or psychiatrist (see Community Health at Manning Base Hospital). Your description would indicate obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) which is an anxiety disorder that requires professional assistance. The longer you wait the worse it will be. 

At an appropriate time say, when you are both relaxed, explain to your husband just what this behaviour is doing to you and your marriage. Explain that it must be disturbing to him also.