I wasn’t the one who wanted to write this list, but the Artist insisted, saying it will be very popular and bring a new audience to my blog. “Alright,” I thought, “I shall give this a try.” I am not going to lie — the idea of finding a new audience is quite attractive, but the main reason I chose to write this post is to help new couples navigate one of the most dangerous rooms in the house… the Kitchen!
Keep in mind, the list is written from my perspective. I consider myself very well acquainted with the kitchen, its tools and gadgets, appliances, towels, plates and platters, and the ingredients inside the refrigerator and the pantry. My particular audience, the Artist, has a thing or two to learn. And so I share the lessons and suggestions in no particular order in hope of a happier side-by-side kitchen existence. Share these rules with your significant other and let me know what happens.
Top Ten List to Teach your Boyfriend when Sharing a Kitchen
1. Do not put a paring knife inside a drawer filled with measuring spoons, measuring cups, chopsticks, and spatulas.
2. When drying dishes in a drying rack, place the bowls and cups upside down, so that the water can drip and the dishes will dry faster. Do not use excuse “the water will eventually evaporate” to explain why it’s ok to place the bowls inside of one another and stack them up inside the drying rack.
3. If I cook, you clean! That means washing all of the dishes, not just the plates and the forks we used to eat dinner. There are cutting boards, pans, pots, knives, etc.
4. If I give you a grocery list that has only 2 items (limes and chocolate), please do not forget to pick up chocolate! And while we are on the topic of chocolate, chocolate is always, I repeat, always welcome in my kitchen.
5. I love when you cook for me. I will try to stay out of your way and not hover over your shoulder telling you to turn down the heat or add salt.
6. I make delicious pizza. Do not judge me on one failed attempt you have tasted months ago. Instead, pick up some flour, cheese, tomatoes, and a bottle of wine, and let’s make a pizza together.
7. There are two types of towels in the kitchen: one you use to dry your hands and one that you are not to touch under any circumstances! The latter is only for decorative purposes. It is pretty to look at and adds color to the kitchen. Learn which towel you are allowed to touch and for what purpose and nobody will get hurt!
8. When washing dishes, you must use soap. That means dish soap. And hot water. Rinse all dishes. Then soap all dishes. Then rinse all dishes again and let them dry. Do not rinse, soap, rinse, and dry one dish at a time.
9. Be honest. If you love my food, tell me. If you don’t like my food, tell me, but try to be nice about it.
10. Stay with me in the kitchen even if you don’t have anything to do. I love your company and the occasional shoulder massage.
Would you like to add something to the list? Let me know!
How about loading the dishwasher is not a damn game of tetris. glass and bowls go on top, plates and larger items go on bottom. We can run the dishwasher more than once – there's no reason to try and cram every single dish into the dishwasher before starting it, they won't all be properly clean if you do it that way. And another thing – DO NOT ADD SALT TO SOMETHING IF YOU HAVEN'T TASTED IT YET. Thank you for reminding me how much I looove cooking for my boyfriend. *sigh*
The washing and drying rack are right on!
#3And wipe the table. And take out the rubbish.#7I empathise.#11 Please close cabinets, pantry and drawers. I'm clumsy and inanimate objects will hurt me!#12Please return items to where you retrieve them from!
I'm a southern girl. And for me, iron skillets/pans each have their own purpose. If I find you frying bacon in the cornbread pan, I will cut you.
A few of your rules rang so true for me. I, too, will hurt you if you touch my decorative kitchen towel. (My husband still doesn't get it after 34 years of marriage.) Also, what is it with men and not using soap when washing the dishes. My husband says that soap is too harsh on his skin…seriously??? Women who love the kitchen and men who love their women should print our your article so they can live in harmony. Just loved it!!!
#8: … and for the love of god, when you DO use soap, DO NOT use half a bottle for one load of dishes! seriously!#13: the refrigerator is organized logically. look at it. and don't put meat in the vegetable drawer, on top of the spinach and herbs. now you've not only squished the herbs, but you've contaminated the entire drawer which i now have to wash. again.
#6 is so me…after 21 years I still have my good cooking days and bad cooking days and I always say …just wait next week it will be good! #7…I read it out loud to my husband…you have it so RIGHT!!! I thought I was the only one with "hands off" decorative towels …thank you.-Monica
LOL – you are welcome! #6 – if you don't like it, cook it yourself! 🙂
#8 – so true! it's either no soap, or too much soap, or the wrong soap!#13 – that's a great one, although, my refrigerator hasn't been organized in some time. I should do it! I do keep raw proteins on the bottom shelf. promise.
No lessons learned after 34 years? Is there no hope for these men? :)Dishes and soap – definitely. Tell your husband to wear gloves if his skin is too sensitive :)I DO hope every woman prints it out – let's spread the word 🙂
That's such a great lesson! I only have one cast iron skillet, and still learning about it, but I can see how you would want to keeps your separate.
Hey Lilian! Thanks for the additions. Maybe I should hide the "good" towels and keep the peace in the kitchen.#11 – so true!!!!! I should've added that one – next time, for sure! I can't stand walking/bumping into open drawers and cabinets. Especially since my kitchen is very small.#12 – common sense 🙂
Thanks! Do you have a lesson to add?
Yes, yes, yes!!!! Do not season that food I cooked for you before even trying it. Big mistake :)Dishwasher – I bet that would be a lesson to teach once I get an actual kitchen with the dishwasher :)Thanks for sharing!
Kitchen towels are most ideal for wiping off the wetness from vegetables, vessels and also to use for your hands while cooking.