Culture Clash Wednesday #10 The Help
(Picture Credit Stock Snap)
If you stop by my house unannounced, you will be walking into a huge mess. I have three boys which means they love leaving little messes everywhere they go. It doesn't matter how many times I do the dishes, sweep the floor, or put toys away.. I turn around and it's all messy again. I've come to terms with it and now that my youngest is about to start walking, it's only going to get worse!Often times, I complain to my husband about the house. I sit there, staring at the crayon on the walls, asking how in the world the house can get messy as quickly as it does. Usually, he asks me what I need help with and we get it done together. Recently, a family member said we should hire someone to clean the house. I was taken back because I didn't quite know what to think. Were they insulting my messy house? My husband didn't seem to think it was a bad idea. Now, before you all pick up your pitchforks and chase down my husband, hear me out. My husband grew up with his family hiring people to clean the house all the time. Both of his parents worked full time and were extremely busy. They hired someone to come once a week or so and they did all of the deep cleaning. His family was used to having someone help with the house because that's how it was for them in India as well. In Hyderabad, where they grew up, they had people that helped with the cooking, gardening, and cleaning. While I don't think there is anything wrong with either way, the idea of hiring someone to clean my house is foreign to me. Growing up, it was my family and I who always took care of everything. We all had a list of chores and got it done. I wouldn't even know what to do if I hired someone to clean my house. Would I stay while they cleaned? Awkwardly pretend I have somewhere to go?Granted, a spotless house would be nice to come home to...This is yet another way of doing things that differ in each family, regardless of where you grew up. While it is extremely common in India to hire help, it's the same for many families in the US. I have a lot of friends who hire people to help out and say it's the only thing that keeps them sane. Others couldn't imagine letting someone clean their messy house and do it themselves. At the end of the day, we all do what we can to get through the day. If it would help your week be a little less stressful and you have the money in your budget, hire someone to help! If you would rather clean your house yourself, do it!If you'd rather sit back, watch Netflix, and leave the dishes for another day.. DO IT!