It’s oft said, that two can live as cheaply as one, and I’m sure that has a ring of truth to it.
But only where Two and One share a common view on saving money, surely? And is that common view prevalent amongst most couples? I don’t really know, but, let’s take a look at Masher Towers – as an example – to see if this phrase applies there.
One is often trying to save water. Not just because of the cost, but also because One has worked in the water industry and understands what a precious and finite resource it actually is. Limiting showers to 4 minutes and turning the tap off during teeth brushing are 2 well known water-saving devices that One employs on a daily basis. Two, on the other hand, doesn’t give a toss about such things and likes to luxuriate in a bath full of hot water, several times a week.
Two is a cold morsel, who will sit on the sofa, wearing a fleece and a dressing gown, shivering and complaining about how ‘bloody freezing’ they are, whilst One sits next to them, sweating in a T-shirt because the central heating has had to be cranked up yet another couple of degrees.
One does the grocery shopping, because, when Two does it, the fridge ends up stuffed to the gills with more food than One and Two can actually eat in 7 days, and so, much of it goes in the bin at the end of the week… much to One’s annoyance.
So, it seems, in this household at least, Two cannot live as cheaply as One.
Not even close.
The problem is that if Thing One doesn’t accommodate the whimsical ways of Thing Two then Masher Towers ain’t gonna be a nice place to live.
You’d hate me – I even rinse my plates before they go in the dishwasher!
Never fear, m’dear, after almost 30 years of marriage, Thing One is well versed in the art of compromise.
Oh, I don’t hate you… but you’re not helping with that: rinsing AND dishwashing!
Are you mad!?
I once saw a video. The thought of bits of food swirling around all my dishes made me ill. YUCK. A quick rinse saves my mental health and prevents further madness. Besides, I’ve cut out baths in favour of showers.
You’ve redeemed yourself… ish.
We are disappointingly similar in these northern parts. Central heating being surreptitiously cranked up (when I wouldn’t even have it on), lights being left on in rooms where nobody is in, food wastage and excessive water use (the 15yo can stay in the shower for 40 minutes without even trying) all get my goat. If you listen very carefully you can hear it bleating.
Baaahh.
Don’t get me started on how long youngsters spend in the shower! Son only comes out when the hot water tank is empty, I think.
I am with one but can understand two.. The simple luxuries of life