Dear Sweet Friend… Don’t Clean Your House For Me

Dear Sweet Friend, 

Don’t clean your house for me. 

Don’t skip inviting me over because your house isn’t clean. 

Don’t be embarrassed when I show up unannounced or last minute. 

Don’t be stressed because you ran out of time to pick up. 

Yes, I like a clean house.  I like MY house to be clean.  I could care less how your house looks. Seriously.

I like my house clean because it’s essential for me to function in my own home. It gives me a sense of control over a world that I have little control over.  It brings me peace, and in a small way, it makes my life easier. 

Just because I prioritize a clean house does not mean I judge you on how well you keep your home.  And trust me, mine gets messy…a lot.  

I see you. I don’t see your home the way you think I might.

Maybe you just finished baking your daughter’s birthday cake and there are dishes everywhere.  I don’t see that mess.  I see the love you poured into that cake and wish my skills were as good as your skills.

There are still Christmas decorations everywhere.  My kids think you are the coolest for having a tree on the front porch. I see you mama and that you soaked in the season and didn’t waste a moment worrying about when those items should be put away.   Bravo for soaking it in. 

You have papers everywhere and haven’t picked them up in a while.  I see the art supplies are still left out.  You know what? I saw your pictures on Facebook.  I saw that you shared your love for art with your kids and helped them create masterpieces.  I wish I had those skills and that level of patience.

Your children are joyful.  Maybe their rooms are a mess, but they are happy.  That’s what matters.  There is love in your home.  

To my sweet friend who was once embarrassed by the mess her baby chicks made in the living room (from their kennel) when it was too cold to put them outside. Thank you for still inviting me over, even during those weeks of mess and chaos.  I learned about how to care for chickens from you, and I’m eternally grateful for it.  

To my dear friend who blushed from embarrassment every time I came over, I applaud you for showing up to every single event your child is involved in, even while I know you struggle to work as many side hustle hours as possible.  You chose to provide for your family over dusting and cleaning. That’s love. That’s what matters.  

Dear sweet friends… I see the love in your home everywhere I look.  This is why I call you my friends. You have so much to offer me and my family. We don’t love you for your housekeeping.

You listen to my drama.  You offer advice when I need it.  You make me laugh. You inspire me. You love my kids and will take them on a dime when I’m in a pickle.  

I don’t consider if we can come over because your house is messy.  I don’t avoid your home either.  

Invite me over.  Don’t clean up for me.  Let’s pour a cup of tea and chat.  That’s what matters, your friendship.  

So don’t clean up for me…deal? 

Sincerely, 

Brooke, Happy Simple Mom