Luxurious Indulgences

Our household tension often stemmed from our shared inability to keep up with housework. While I held firm to the belief that both of us, with full-time jobs, should share the cleaning responsibilities, the reality was starkly different. Tom’s priorities lay elsewhere, leaving the burden of housework squarely on my shoulders. Any attempt to voice my objections was met with judgment from family, friends, and even casual visitors, all subtly implying that our home should be pristine at all times. My mother’s words echoed in my mind: “Your house could be ‘House Beautiful’ if it was just kept neat, clean, and picked up.”

So, we made a decision. We hired someone to clean our house once every other week for three hours. I would ensure the house was tidied up beforehand, and she would take care of the rest—dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, and washing the kitchen floor. The relief that followed was palpable.

With this help, our home rarely descended into chaos. It became a sanctuary of sorts, perpetually on the verge of that elusive state of being “comfortably lived in.” The feeling was not just satisfying; it was downright luxurious.

In a similar vein, another indulgence entered my life around the same time: regular visits to “Wonder Nails” for acrylic manicures every two weeks. There was something about the ritual—the short, blunt nails, the soft edges, the classic “French manicure” tip—that made me feel poised and polished. Whether I was writing, grocery shopping, or simply chatting on the phone, having my nails done bestowed upon me a sense of composure and self-care, akin to a touch of opulence.

Reflecting on these experiences, I realized that indulging in acts of self-care, whether through professional help with household chores or personal grooming, brought a profound sense of contentment. It was as if, by permitting myself to seek comfort and ease, I was affirming my worth and value.

Perhaps it takes a psychologist’s validation to recognize that such indulgences are not just permissible but essential. In the end, it’s about finding what brings us joy and embracing it wholeheartedly, without guilt or hesitation. After all, in a world filled with challenges, every moment of comfort and satisfaction is a precious gift to be cherished.