Ask Amy: Wisdom from readers starts the year off right
When dinner is finished you find the person who has the same job as yourself and complete it together.
It’s actually great fun because you are usually with someone you haven’t had a “working relationship” with.
Lots of laughing and casual conversation takes place over each segment of clean up. And the person who hosted does NOT set foot in the kitchen until it’s all spic and span.
— We “Clean up” Well
Dear We: “Gamifying” chores makes you forget that they are chores. This is genius.
Dear Amy: We tried your suggestion for asking for help from family at holiday meals. We lived in Yosemite and our large family (seven young adult kids and assorted friends, plus in-laws), and as chief cook and bottlewasher I was ready to literally take a hike.
My husband solved the problem by creating a list of all the chores involved in meal prep and cleanup and then had people sign up. It worked.
Everyone knew what they were supposed to do, and my husband did the supervising, leaving me free to enjoy another glass of wine.
— Ann
Dear Ann: Yosemite?! I’d gladly hike over to your house for the holidays.
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