Hitting Below the Belt

It could be anyone...members of my family, or friends, or friends of friends, but regardless of who the people are (I'm not telling, so don't ask), the following really happened.

A young (or old) married (or not) couple have been living together for several months (or years) and recently there was an unpleasant issue that needed to be addressed.

"We both live here.  Why am I the only one cleaning the house, cooking the meals, doing the dishes, laundry, and taking care of your dog?"

Now that is a very good question; don't you agree?  I thought you would.  It's a valid concern, has credibility, presented in a mature manner, and there is no hitting below the belt.  All of the right components necessary for conflict resolution are here.   Presented with the facts, the wrongdoer should just acknowledge that he (or she) has been negligent in the past, and then offer to do better in the future.  Case closed.  Problem solved.  Don't forget to kiss before going to bed.

"Who was your maid (or butler) before me?   I'm not your mother (or father), and I refuse to be your slave and follow you around the house picking up after you and your dog!"

"Whoa! What the bleep??  Why are you yelling at me?  I work hard all day; I'm tired; I'm stressed, and I don't feel good.  I walk into the house and BAM! you attack me!" 

Oh, shoot!  That doesn't sound good.  I thought this issue had been resolved already.  It seems like such a simple problem with a simple resolution.  Something that two mature adults could handle with ease,  but now there's yelling, cursing, self-pity, traces of martyrdom, excuses, exaggerations, and "credibility" has left the building.  But at least no one has gotten hit below the belt.

"Oh, and about that ugly, stupid dog of yours!"

Ouch!  Remember what I just said about no one getting hit below the belt?  Never mind.