If the reactions to my recent entries on dishwasher loading techniques are any indication, the things that men and women see or do differently are a can of worms that most women would probably prefer to leave shut, but men cannot help opening: I have had several responses from males, and none whatsoever from females. There are in fact so many (usually poorly hidden) male frustrations that I very am tempted to create a separate blog just to give the male perspective on such issues. I could call it "The Dishwasher Diaries", and it could contain everything from folding maps and asking for directions, to always needing to have a sip of whatever you are having or insisting you try a bite of whatever they are having in restaurants.
I will however limit myself to another entry in the same category: doing the weekly shopping. To me, doing the shopping is a boring, sometimes frustrating and often mildly unpleasant ordeal, which is why I try to be as efficient as possible. In fact, I only have one, very simple rule for the weekly shopping:
Only buy what you need, when you need it. The best way to prepare for this is to jot each item down as you finish them off (regular items) and/or opening cupboards and checking their contents (less regular ones). Do not rely on your memory (if it is good enough to remember the 50 or 60 items you need, you should be using it to win prizes in quiz games, not for doing the weekly shopping).
And a single corollary to that rule: Keep experimentation to a minimum. Once you find something you like, stick with that.
Exception to the rule: you are allowed to buy items ahead of time (e.g. because they are on sale), but only if you already buy these exact same items. DO NOT fall into the trap of buying things you do not need just because they are on sale (and if you do, PLEASE don't add insult to injury by bragging how much money you just "saved").
Exception to the corollary: it is permitted to occasionally try out new foods and recipes - on OTHER people (in-laws, neighbours you didn't really want to invite over, etc). Millions of men have led long, healthy, happy and productive lives on the same meat and potato (oh, alright, and vegetable) dinners year after year. It ain't broke: don't fix it!
I will however limit myself to another entry in the same category: doing the weekly shopping. To me, doing the shopping is a boring, sometimes frustrating and often mildly unpleasant ordeal, which is why I try to be as efficient as possible. In fact, I only have one, very simple rule for the weekly shopping:
Only buy what you need, when you need it. The best way to prepare for this is to jot each item down as you finish them off (regular items) and/or opening cupboards and checking their contents (less regular ones). Do not rely on your memory (if it is good enough to remember the 50 or 60 items you need, you should be using it to win prizes in quiz games, not for doing the weekly shopping).
And a single corollary to that rule: Keep experimentation to a minimum. Once you find something you like, stick with that.
Exception to the rule: you are allowed to buy items ahead of time (e.g. because they are on sale), but only if you already buy these exact same items. DO NOT fall into the trap of buying things you do not need just because they are on sale (and if you do, PLEASE don't add insult to injury by bragging how much money you just "saved").
Exception to the corollary: it is permitted to occasionally try out new foods and recipes - on OTHER people (in-laws, neighbours you didn't really want to invite over, etc). Millions of men have led long, healthy, happy and productive lives on the same meat and potato (oh, alright, and vegetable) dinners year after year. It ain't broke: don't fix it!
or... twice weekly shopping: once for her, once for him.
ReplyDeleteShe buys veggies, yoghurt, milk, eggs, washing soap, tea, diet coke.
He has to go out separately to ensure a supply of beer, bread, cookies, garbage bags, cheese, salsa, bacon, frozen pizza, ice cream, light bulbs, shaving cream.
-M
Ha, ha! Tx, M.
ReplyDeleteI will copy your list for later use!