I am a middle-aged mother of four who would rather be sipping tea in Darjeeling, India, or watching an elephant herd cross a plain in Botswana than contemplating the effectiveness of the new Magic Eraser sponge. However my kids need to be clothed and fed daily, so I am seeking the yin to my yang.
I am recently divorced from my old perspective on housework and ready to find a new way to approach chores. I seek a long-term commitment only.
The ideal mentality would enjoy long walks on the tile – with a mop – and be willing to try new things, like the Clorox 2 stain fighting pen.
We would create long-lasting memories late at night or at daybreak in the laundry room. Even Snuggles the fabric softener bear frolicking in the pastel socks and baby blankets could not compete with our joy.
My dream perspective would never be bored while sweeping, scrubbing, unloading, wiping, folding, emptying, and straightening. You would not allow me to resent the people that leave toothpaste in the sink or backpacks in the front entryway.
A willingness to take risks – washing darks and lights together from time to time, see just how far the vacuum cleaner cord will stretch, or letting whatever is under the couch remain a mystery for a while – will keep the relationship lively.
Must enjoy lemon fresh and eucalyptus scents.
I am seeking a non-judgmental point of view. Flexibility is a big plus – it won’t matter if silverware is loaded face up or face down.
Discipline is a non-negotiable. My ex-perspective thought most things could be put off for a later time. Procrastination led to piles, creating a discord in our relationship. My new perspective must have a strong desire to take care of things in a timely manner.
The ideal perspective finds contentment in dust rags, pleasure from Windex, and satisfaction from neatly hanging towels.
I would be lucky to spend time with my new perspective because the focus would always be on the positive. My perfect match would find the lumpy folds of a fitted sheet lopsidedly shoved into the linen closet charming. You would also have an appreciation of children generated art; yet your discerning eye will help me know what to keep and what to toss.
If you are to be my new perspective then you will be the one to seek opportunities in housework. A dishwasher waiting to be unloaded becomes an opportunity to marvel at the invention of modern appliances. Reminding kids to finish their chores becomes an opportunity to see their beautiful faces.
While I love the look of a pile-free counter, a made bed, a radiant kitchen sink, in the past I have been discouraged with the wrong perspective. A perspective that led me to believe that with all the work required to keep a tidy home, the results are too short-lived.
With you, when a rowdy game of Nerf dart tag from the outside spills into the house leaving a trail of grass and dirt on a newly mopped floor, I will not feel the moping was done in vain.
I am ready to leave behind a cynical point of view and find domestic happiness.
Together we can find harmony among the dust bunnies.
