My Thoughts on Doing Laundry
Some Philsophical Meanderings
Yesterday I had a patient insist she had attention deficit disorder. The reason she was sure of this was because when she puts in a load of laundry she always forgets to transfer it to the dryer. I expressed doubt that she had sufficient cause for the diagnosis and explained that there really needed to be more symptoms. She seemed disappointed to hear that there wasn't a medication which would help her do her laundry more efficiently.
I didn't tell her this but I actually have the same malady and have wondered myself what it may mean. Am I lazy? Or forgetful? Maybe I don't care enough about the successful completion of the wash cycle. Is this a commentary on my character? Do people who take life more seriously than I wash their clothing more efficiently?
Though I have been a clinical social worker for over 25 years and seem countless patients in therapy this issue has never really come up before. Could it be that people are too embarrassed to discuss their laundry habits? Or are few so enlightened as to appreciate the philosophical issues implied in the way one does their laundry.
I may forget for a few hours or a few days. The wash may still be damp or it may be stiff as a board with the wrinkles deeply embedded in the cloth. If that happens I set the load to rinse and wash it again. But often I just forget again and the entire process starts all over.
A confession would be appropriate here. Once I ironed a hankie. My mother was watching over me. I must have been about 5 years old. It was at that moment that I swore to myself that I would never iron again. And I never have. So it's really important that the clothes come out of the washer and into the dryer before the wrinkles set in. And then I MUST take them out of the dryer before they wrinkle again or I will look like a total mess. So my deficiency has its consequences. And I will admit that in a pinch I have worn a completely wrinkled shirt out in public. Is that a reflection of my disdain for humanity? Is it my subtle way to rebel against conformity? Am I going to hell for this indulgence? Only time will tell.
Those are some of the thoughts I have had regarding my laundry issues. But I never thought it was attention deficit disorder. I should reconsider that.
Published by Mona Loeser
A social worker with 25 years of experience in mental health, corrections, substance abuse, community relations, private practice and divorce mediation, as a community liaison,working with military families... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentMy husband does the laundry, but when I occasionally do it I write myself a note along with all my other notes to remember to put it in the dryer.
Just stopping by to say hello, and hoping to see you here again.
You are too funny! I have to admit I run the same gamut. As a matter of fact, now that you remind me...
I hate doing laundry for this very reason. I always tell everyone in the house- the washer may be empty, but check the dryer because it seems that I always leave laundry in the dryer.
I am right with you! It does help to get laundry done faster when I'm completely out of underwear and absolutely nothing to wear the next day. I don't have a choice but to make sure I get my laundry done on time. I am very guilty at leaving the towels in the dryer, though. which is usually my last load and then wonder where all the towels are when I'm done with my shower!