The Perks of the Handwashing Experience

This past week, I’ve gotten a real taste of what it truly means to be a housewife. This job requires a lot, even taking over when you household appliances fail.

My dishwasher has been sick for some time; and, I knew it was bad, but I didn’t know it would go so quickly.

One day it’s running (mind you, sort of haphazardly), and then, you blink, and it’s gone for good. I didn’t even get to say goodbye.

I do realize, everyone doesn’t have a dishwasher. My aunt (who is 80), has a dishwasher now for the first time in her life.

And the other day I was on the phone with her, discussing my current predicament, and she said, “I really don’t mind handwashing dishes at all.”

I told her she is more than welcome to come over and wash my dishes anytime.

Although, the first dishwasher was developed by Josephine Cochrane, in 1886, it wasn’t even until the 1970s that dishwashers became commonplace in households across America.

I’m of the opinion the invention of the dishwasher was made to save humankind — continuing the cycle of reproduction. I don’t know if I would have agreed to two children in the first place if I hadn’t had a dishwasher.

The greatest takeaway from the whole handwashing experience, has been that it’s given my husband a rare opportunity to learn where things go in the kitchen.

For you see, I explained to him, if I must suffer through being the dishwasher, then he must be the dish dryer.

Apparently, he hasn’t put dishes away in the last 10 years of marriage. Obviously, I’ve been doing something wrong. But, I’m glad we’ve remedied the situation.

I also pointed out to him, that not only was this a great learning experience, but a great bonding opportunity as well, (as he gets to spend extra quality time with me).

It only took two times drying dishes, before he said, “OK, we’re going to buy a new dishwasher; the first day I’m off. What kind do you want? Top of the line? Anything for you.”

I really should thank my old dishwasher for failing, and leaving us in this bind.

My husband has a whole, new appreciation for the culinary arts. 

And, I told him, that he’s off the hook for Valentine’s Day, as the new dishwasher will be our tribute to one another. After all, it’s keeping the love alive, one wash cycle at a time.

(Or — at least — keeping the wife cooking.)

Which, I believe was the ultimate goal here.

He’s a smart man; and, he realized that the longer I went without a dishwasher, (and the less he offered to help), the more take out on paper plates we would be having.

What can I say? I guess he likes my cooking.

My new dishwasher won’t be here for another week; but, when it does arrive, there will be much celebration. Until then, please reuse your glass, dear.