When I was younger I detested the thought let alone the reality of ‘doing the dishes’.
My sisters and I would take turns washing or drying. But we all had and used the uncanny ability to ‘disappear’ to the bathroom right after supper if it was our night to be in the ‘dishpan’. It didn’t matter how long we had disappeared however because the dishes would wait for us to return. How nice. We had courteous dishes.
Looking back I realize it was a great way to keep the family involved with each other and taught us responsibility.
Times have changed and yet they haven’t.
In this day and age, I am usually the one who does the evening dishes. The final cleanup for the day. The rest of the family (my wife and 2 daughters) enjoy some relaxed conversation time together in the living room. They will offer to help with the dishes but I have my patented answer – ‘That’s ok – I wasn’t here to help do the breakfast and lunch dishes.’
The kitchen sink is not that far from the living room. I can usually hear what they’re talking about and chime in if needed or wanted. I just have to be careful when to speak sometimes.
I’m sure it’s the same for you. You know. You’re alone in the kitchen doing dishes….you pause doing the dishes just long enough to sample the waiting and inviting dessert morsels on the counter next to you. Then just as you’re chewing someone in the next room throws a question at you that requires an immediate response.
Now what?! Quick – run the water! Run it for as long as it is necessary for you to chew, swallow and clear your throat before speaking. It’s all good. They can’t see you! They’ll never know right? That’s right – they won’t….at least not until it’s actually time to have the dessert together. So of course they discover something has ‘happened’ to the dessert. You shrug your shoulders as the crumb evidence is clearly visible on your face.
Next time maybe they don’t offer to help with the dishes….they insist.
They insist either because they love you and want to help you or they’re worried about the dessert.
Let’s hope it’s both and in that order.
So who’s up next for dishpan duty? I want to help because you ‘dessert it’….and so do I!!
