If Your Man Says “I’ll Do It Later,” Set a Reminder in 2040

We’ve all heard it before: “I’ll do it later.” Those four little words have become the unofficial motto of many relationships, especially when tasks pile up around the house. While procrastination isn’t exclusive to men, there’s a running joke that when your guy says he’ll handle something “later,” you might as well mark your calendar for the year 2040.

This article explores the hilarious reality of male procrastination and offers practical tips for dealing with those endless delays.

1. The Classic “Honey-Do” List That Never Gets Done

Every relationship has that infamous list hanging on the fridge or tucked into a drawer. You know the one—it started with five simple tasks back in March, and now it’s November with only the easiest item checked off. The leaky faucet still drips like a metronome, and the squeaky door continues its daily concert.

What makes this situation particularly amusing is the confidence with which he says, “I’ve got it under control.” Meanwhile, you’re Googling plumbers and handymen at midnight. The list becomes less of a productivity tool and more of a historical document tracking unfulfilled promises.

Setting realistic deadlines and gentle check-ins can help. Sometimes breaking big tasks into smaller steps makes them less overwhelming and more likely to actually happen.

2. The Garage That’s Been “Almost Organized” Since 2015

Walk into any garage where a self-proclaimed procrastinator lives, and you’ll find a time capsule of good intentions. Boxes from the last move sit unopened, tools hang haphazardly, and there’s a mysterious pile in the corner that nobody dares disturb. He swears every few months that this weekend is THE weekend for the big cleanup.

The funny thing is, he genuinely believes it each time he says it. Plans are made, motivation builds, and then suddenly Sunday arrives and he’s watching sports or napping instead.

Creating a fun challenge or reward system can work wonders here. Maybe offer to help for an hour or suggest tackling just one section at a time rather than the entire space.

3. Fixing the WiFi Router That’s Been “Working Fine”

Nothing tests patience quite like slow internet in today’s world. You’ve mentioned twenty times that the WiFi keeps dropping, pages load at snail speed, and video calls freeze constantly. His response? “It’s working fine for me,” followed by the classic, “I’ll look into it this weekend.”

Months pass, and you’re still dealing with buffering circles and connection timeouts. He insists the router from 2012 has plenty of life left, ignoring all evidence to the contrary.

Sometimes taking action yourself sends the right message. Order a new router, set it up, and watch him wonder why he didn’t do it sooner. Technology waits for no one, and neither should you when simple solutions exist.

4. The Photo Frames Still in Boxes from Your Wedding

Your wedding was beautiful, the photos turned out amazing, and you carefully selected frames to display those precious memories throughout your home. That was three years ago. The frames remain in their original packaging, stacked in a closet or under the bed, waiting for him to hang them up.

Every anniversary, you hint about finally getting those pictures on the walls. He nods enthusiastically, promises it’ll happen soon, and then another year passes with bare walls mocking your patience.

Here’s a secret: sometimes doing it yourself or hiring someone brings more satisfaction than waiting forever. Your beautiful memories deserve to be displayed, not gathering dust in storage. Plus, once they’re up, he’ll probably admit they look great and wonder why he waited so long.

5. Scheduling That Doctor’s Appointment He’s Avoided for Years

Men have a legendary ability to avoid doctor visits like they’re dodging bullets in an action movie. That persistent cough? It’ll go away on its own. The weird pain in his shoulder? Probably nothing serious. You’ve been suggesting he make an appointment for months, maybe even years, but he keeps insisting he’ll call tomorrow.

Tomorrow never comes, apparently. The receptionist’s number sits unused in his phone while symptoms persist or worsen. His excuse arsenal includes “too busy,” “feeling fine now,” and the ever-popular “I’ll do it next week.”

Taking charge of his health might mean making the appointment yourself. Yes, he’s an adult, but sometimes love means pushing past stubbornness for someone’s wellbeing. Schedule it, put it on the calendar, and drive him there if needed.

6. Replacing the Broken Doorbell That Forces Everyone to Knock

Ding-dong. That’s the sound your doorbell used to make before it gave up the ghost sometime during the previous administration. Now, delivery drivers knock frantically, friends text “I’m here,” and you’ve gotten used to listening for footsteps on the porch like a pioneer woman waiting for visitors.

He acknowledges the problem every time someone mentions it. “Yeah, I need to fix that,” he says with genuine intention. A replacement doorbell costs about fifteen dollars and takes ten minutes to install, yet somehow it remains perpetually on tomorrow’s agenda.

This is one of those situations where taking initiative feels incredibly satisfying. Watch a quick tutorial video, buy the replacement, and install it yourself. The look on his face when it works will be priceless.

7. The Overflowing Gutters That’ll Get Cleaned “Before Winter”

Fall arrives with its beautiful colors and the annual promise that he’ll clean the gutters before the first snow. Leaves pile up, small trees start growing in there, and water cascades over the sides during rainstorms. Yet the ladder stays in the garage, untouched and lonely.

“I’ll get to it this weekend,” becomes the seasonal refrain. Weekends come and go, and suddenly it’s January with ice dams forming and you’re researching gutter damage repair costs online at two in the morning.

Prevention saves money and headaches. If he won’t do it, hire a service or recruit a handy friend. Gutters aren’t glamorous, but they protect your home’s foundation and prevent expensive water damage. Sometimes spending a little money now beats waiting for a disaster later.