A feel good post

[mcgook]

I have spectacular friends. You know how we of the chronically ill post suggestions on what is and is not helpful? (and stuff like this applies for non-chronically ill too). One of the suggestions is to offer specific help with something you know is a struggle. This has a better response rate than "let me know if you need anything," and other well

Comments

[missingkeys]

Oh, that's so fabulous! I've had a couple of friends do things like that with me, and it's just the most delightful warm and fuzzy feeling ever. <3

[mcgook]

I wish more people would understand the great value of this kind of arrangement.

[missingkeys]

Me too. Actually, this reminds me that I really need to do that for a friend who broke her arm really badly. She had friends staying to help so she didn't need me when I last asked, but it needs re-breaking so she's going to be stuffed for a while. I'll have to see what i can do.

[replyhazy]

Now ThAT is an awesome friend!

I have been pursuing a similar arrangement with a friend, but it's a bit different. My fibro is such that I can still work. My friend suffers from chronic sleep disturbances and depression and can't work. If I hire her to work on my housework, I can convince her to take some money for her work... but she can work when she can, at entirely her own pace, and when she's over I get to see her, and we "loan" each other energy to do some work, than sit down and rest and chat, work a bit more, chat a bit more... all very satisfying to both of us.

[mcgook]

That's a fab arrangement! I also work (and I know how lucky I am!) - but as you know, working takes away from what I can do around my house. I have been trying to get my friends to see the value of "laundry dates" and such forever, but this is the first time someone has done so.

Love your idea! This friend who's coming also has health issues, but can work - I think perhaps that's why she's amenable to it. She gets it. My healthy friends don't really understand the trade off, and so, much as they want to see me, they aren't willing to have chore dates. Maybe I should call it something different. LOL

[fallconsmate]

mama has done this for me a number of times. at the time we didn't have a second car, and it was just too difficult to go see her, and i didn't want her to see my house.

(i adore my TheEngineer. he is a self-admitted pig. i'd like a clean house, but...it can be hard to keep things clean when he just doesn't CARE about those things as long as he has clean clothes.)

and this week, EVERYTHING went to hell in a handbasket because i now am battling a flare PLUS pneumonia. today was a bed day. earlier this week was an out-of-state trip...and i haven't dealt with the laundry from that, nor the laundry since.

it just...yeah. i'm glad your friend is coming over to help you and spend time with you. :)

[nightshade1972]

This. Hubby's perfectly happy to do his own laundry (sometimes even mine), but he's not the best cook and he doesn't give a damn about keeping a clean house. Hubby's BFF comes over to visit at least once a week, and he's gracious enough to never complain, but I'm embarrassed to have anyone else come over. My nextdoor neighbor has offered to clean my house, but A, we don't have the money to pay her and B, again, I'd be embarrassed to have her see it, since I know how nice and neat her place is.

Hope you feel better soon!

[bella_phenomena]

That sounds awesome! I am so happy for you :)

[eightydollsyell]

I'm glad you have that. I have a hubby who complains because he has to pick up the slack when work takes everything out of me and I do what little I can on the weekends.