Keeping it Tidy
When does mess turn ugly?
During the time my daughter lived with me I had to deal with certain untidy conditions. I hate to think I fall into the perfectionist category, but I just like a room to look good when you walk into it. Makes me feel good.
However, when living with others, your standards may differ from other people's standards. For instance, it didn't seem to bother my daughter that she left untidy pillows when she left the sofa. This is not such a big deal, but the sofa was left to look like a band of wild toddlers bounced all over it. That "look" can be distracting from an otherwise tidy area.
I guess it's a habit to tidy up a sofa after leaving it. Takes a second, really. I would think if I said something, it would sound like a nag request, so I often just straightened out the sofa myself. Eventually though, this can make one resentful of the person displacing your style of living.
So, I think the solution would be to communicate your wishes to others you live with and hope they discontinue their untidy rituals. Or, resign to the fact you'll just do it yourself and don't build up hostility over it.
I'm fine now. My daughter moved out. I have a roommate now and he left his shoes in the living room ... once. Communication is a beautiful thing.
1 comment(s):
There is nothing like walking into a clean house after a hard days work, it is a refuge to the soul and psyche! I agree with all that you have said and trully believe that a cluttered and disordered home is a reflection of the inner person.
I am not a perfectionist and I am a mom of 4 wonderful grown kids - I encouraged them to be tidy, I told them when they were growing up that they can play or disrupt any area in the home as long as they returned it to its original state, so they hardly messed up!
This taught them respect of property and accountability at anearly age. Good Luck!
By PAULA, at 2:24 PM
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