I think I get your question mra01385.
Obviously we should notice that the dishes were done when we come in the house from doing groceries. But sometimes when we don’t notice the obvious I think that it’s just because we are a bit absent minded, too many thoughts running in our heads, we are thinking of whet to do next… It might even be that sometimes we are so tired from being out shopping that all we want to do once we get home is to just relax. This is just one example obviously but maybe we can apply it to other things.
However, those who don’t notice things as easily should get in the practice of beeing on the “lookout” of what your husband might have done in the house. And if your still not sure, then say, “hum, somethnig feels/looks differnet in the house. Did you do something honey”? Then at least he will think you noticed (if he did anything) =)
Hope I made sense and answered your question.