The Super Soaper


Confession: I never use a washcloth when I shower. Or a loofah, a pouf, a sponge, a piece of steel wool, a cooperative hedgehog or whatever else someone might use as a mechanism to enhance their cleanliness.

To me, this is not weird. I guess it's the way I grew up, because I never remember using a washcloth except in the bathtub as a kid, although my mom uses them so who knows? Anyway. I've had this conversation with a few people in my lifetime, and it always seems like people think it's odd. I literally own two washcloths and they're, like, twelve years old.

Anyway, when I soap myself up - using only my hands, obviously - there is very little lather, maybe just a couple of random bubbles here and there. I'm saying this because it's an important detail in the story I'm about to tell you.

Bright and early yesterday morning when my eyes popped open, I realized my husband (Curtis) wasn't in the bed beside me. Then I heard the shower running in the bathroom. I thought about waiting until he was done to go in and pee, but I mean, we've been together for almost nineteen years so I figured it didn't much matter. And besides, I was about to piss myself.

I went in and sat down on the toilet in the steam-filled room. Seeing as I'd just woken up (and was, you know, on the toilet), I wasn't exactly in conversation mode, so I did my business without saying a word. But as I sat there, I couldn't help but listen to the sounds coming from the shower. And I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at what I heard: a rhythmic, squishy sound, one that I don't make when I shower.

Skwap-skwap-skwap

Call me pervy, but I suspected my husband was, eh ... really enjoying that shower. You picking up what I'm laying down? Good. The sound continued, and I could tell by the way it ever-so-slightly changed - more bubbly somehow - that the volume of lather had increased due to all that enthusiastic skwap-skwapping. I debated. Should I quietly slip out and pretend I hadn't even been there? Should I yank open the shower curtain and point and laugh? Should I make like the spontaneous chick I was when we were dating and slip in there with him for some good clean fun? Decisions, decisions.

Finally I tiptoed over to the shower. "Need some help in there?" I said coyly, easing the curtain open to reveal Curtis energetically stroking his ...

... armpit? Oh.

Skwap-skwap-skwap. "Geez, you startled me," he gasped, lowering his arm, copious amount of lather running down his side. Looking like he had one of those foam machines in there.

"SERIOUSLY, WHO SOAPS THAT VIGOROUSLY?" I said. For crying out loud.

So here's my question: am I in some sort of weird, lather-less minority? Is it strange that my soaping isn't zealous enough to create, like, foam?

This is important research, people. Inquiring minds need to know.

Comments

  1. Nope, I'm right there with ya (figuratively speaking) When you're a mom who has TIME to get a good lather going????

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  2. I have missed your blogging so much! Welcome back! And, yes, I work up massive amounts of suds.

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  3. I go for the foam! (But then, I also use a washcloth.) You hardly have time to foam, though, with all the other daily chores.

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  4. Perhaps the hair adds friction to the suds? I use a poof and I don't even get too sudsy.... But this sure made me laugh!!!

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  5. Made me laugh! I didn't use a washcloth for the longest time, and started because I like the suds, and it is easier for me to get with a washcloth.

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  6. No, you're not weird. I used to use a washcloth but since I married my husband I've stopped. I just use my hands and it's easy and less bothersome. Maybe it's the brand of soap you use that you don't get lots of lathering, I use Dove soap and that lathers rather nicely.

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  7. No washrags....and one time when I was asked what my skincare routine was and I replied that I splash water on my face in the shower and that's about it, the person asking (who apparently
    uses about 12 items on her face throughout the day!) was shocked!

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  8. My husband and I are exactly the same. He could float a boat with his bubbles, and I figure as long as I'm slippery, there's enough soap everywhere.

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  9. Hey, Rita! I've been reading this blog since I was twelve(!) and somehow stumbled upon one of your posts. It's been eight years since then, and I just want to say that while I hate children and never want to be a mom, it's made me so happy to see your kids grow up thus far - it's almost as if I know them, even though I'm far away in sunny Singapore. At this point I can't remember if I started reading your blog before or after Coby's birth, but I just wanted to say thanks for all the entertainment you've brought me over the years - reading your writing and seeing your posts on Instagram feels so familiar, as if you were an old friend.

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  10. Also, I've never used a washcloth. Haha.

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  11. Rachel M. here, I'm new to your blog, and wow.. thanks for the morning laugh!! I've finally found someone with a strikingly similar sense of humor, and I'm loving it! So to your question, I use a poof. And because I'm a bit OCD, I try to lather it up, making all the right sloshing noises and really going for it, in those deep dark places where one could get lost. I'm very anti-chemical though, so I do use all natural handmade soaps and hair products, as well as only using apple cider vinegar and grapeseed oil on my face daily. Now that you know more about me than you ever wanted to, I'll bow out, but I can't wait to read more!! :)

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  12. I just discovered your blog and laughed hard at this- it is so me and my husband! Thanks :)

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