I agree with both you and DomR about his validation needing to come from within and that the housework is not a solution, it is a temporary diversion tactic and a quick option during the context of our conversation last night. We'll obviously have to get more creative to find ways to engage his interests while also kinda feeding his ego. It might be a bit of a challenge but we are keeping our eyes and options open.
He actually does love doing some projects around the house...and there are plenty to do. The thing that is stopping him/us is that things are pretty tight financially right now. The holidays will be a struggle...I've asked that we put off those projects (which were nickel and diming us to death) until after the holidays when things will, hopefully, get a little better.
