I dislike doing laundry in Munich. I have to walk up these cold stairs (where I always envision bad things happening, like emergencies or being chased) and then go to a laundry room twice (once to deposit the laundry and another to collect it). I have rationalized this fear by delegating this chore to the other half (in return for my doing of the dishes, folding the clothes, etc). And that has worked, but I’ve come to realize that I should do what I can.
I should do all I can to make my life, our life, as good as I can. And, to me, that includes getting laundry out of the way, folded. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t do the laundry. I have feet and hands and can walk up the stairs.
I should do the laundry because it a) weighs on my mind, b) I have the time to do it, wash it, and fold it and c) I should always be thinking of things to do to improve the surroundings around me and the life of my partner.
I think that’s not only the nice thing to do, but the decent thing to do. Why shouldn’t I pick up some slack if I have time and don’t mind? Plus doing the laundry actually makes me feel really good, I feel productive and I feel like I’m doing a good thing.
So it’s a win win! I’m not saying I am going to take over the laundry completely and forever – um no. But I am saying that, when I can, I will.
Because that’s what people should do. Help others (and yourself!) whenever you can. Everyone has things to do, and if we can just do one little thing, then let’s do it. The larger question is – why not?