Recently, my roommates and I were getting ready to go out. One of them asked me if she could borrow an extra pair of tights because hers had a small hole. I said I didn’t, but I did have a sewing kit. “Oh, I’m not really domestic,” she laughed, and proceeded to get another outfit ready.
Her phrase surprised me; I’m not sure what she meant by “domestic” and I think it’s odd that she can’t sew. I realized that today, with a push towards a modern, working woman, many ladies are forgetting to learn basic skills that are bound to make their lives easier. These household skills are now reserved for housewives, and are looked down upon.
Although Google translates “domestic” as “of or relating to the running of a home or to family relations,” I view the word more as relating to living successfully on one’s own. Therefore, when I say “domestic skills,” I don’t mean for everyone to run off, get married, and start a family. I just mean that these are, in my opinion, basic house skills that girls should learn in order to be better equipped at taking care of themselves. And I don’t think there is anything backwards or “old-school” about helping yourself and others. In fact, I think being able to do so is important and shows a lady’s progress.
With that being said, I compiled a list of “domestic” skills that I think are important for girls to learn. Trust me, by simply investing your time in some of these, even if they are not fun, your lives will be easier!
1. How to boil an egg. Eggs are very healthy for you and are used in many recipes. Sometimes the recipes ask for boiled eggs, or sometimes for raw eggs. So learn how to crack an egg as well!
2. How to be able to quickly create a meal for yourself (and others). We all get lazy and resort to getting take-out or going to that cheap restaurant around the corner. While this can be fun, all of that money adds up. Therefore, learn how to cook a quick and easy meal for yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just something to keep you full and healthy!
3. How to sew. This goes back to my opening story. I find little holes in clothes very unappealing, and they’re so easy to get rid of if you sew them up! Sewing isn’t difficult and it can help you perform maintenance on your clothing or other objects.
4. How to handle a cold. We all get sick, and although we might know how to treat ourselves, most likely we could learn more. Instead of just popping Advil in, learn about home remedies, other medicines, or things you can do to help yourself get over the illness.
5. How to iron. Ironing is not as easy as it seems, and there are various ironing rules. For instance, certain temperatures or stroke patterns should be used on specific fabrics. Ironing can help you look more professional or just more impressive.
6. How to take care of flowers. If you want your flowers to live a longer life, you should know that you need to cut off the ends and pour in some flower food.
7. How to use basic household tools. From a hammer to a screwdriver, these tools can come in handy in very random situations, so learn how to use them!
8. How to vacuum. A lot of the dorms I’ve been to are well decorated and cozy, but the floors are a mess! I cannot stand when there are crumbs everywhere. Vacuuming will obviously make your living space much nicer to be in.
9. How to mop. While vacuuming will pick up the crumbs and hair, it won’t get all of the dust or anything sticky on your floor. This is where mopping comes in (unless your floor is covered in carpet). I can’t tell you how much dirt my mop has rid my apartment of, and I am very thankful for that!
10. How to hold a baby. You’re bound to know someone who will have a baby, and it is likely that you will have one eventually as well.
These are only ten skills, but I am sure you can think of more. As you get older and wiser, don’t forget about some of the most regular, yet very useful, skills.
Photo Sources:
1. http://frenchfriedgeek.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/01324.jpg
2. http://cynicallipgloss.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/housewife2.jpg
3. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NDW3vCqumE/TuE4CWFx3KI/AAAAAAAABzI/5SricTkmGSo/s1600/cleaning.jpg