What gives women more satisfaction than sex, makes them feel in control of their lives and is more empowering than being in a boardroom?
Housework. And it has such feel-good power it’s being called the new therapy.
A recent survey in Britain found average women aged 18-80 (even those with full-time jobs) spend nine years, two months and 25 days of their adult lives cleaning and tidying. And they don’t resent it – 59 per cent of respondents said it made them feel in control of their lives; 60 per cent found it ‘‘mentally therapeutic’’.
Dee Smith, producer of the British TV show Cleanaholics, says cleaning is the new therapy. ‘‘We feel happier and more in control when our home is clean and tidy.’’
In fact the survey shows most women find cleaning more satisfying than sex. Many say there’s nothing wrong with sex but it doesn’t match the pleasure of seeing spotless floors, artfully arranged roses and plumped-up cushions.
Of course not all women are like this. Some happily leave their dishes for the domestic and are oblivious to crumbs on the counter and coffee-mug rings on the table. But eight in 10 women would be critical of them, the survey says.
Having it all used to mean having a career and a family; now it means having a career, a family and living in a house you regard as a haven of peace, order and cleanliness.
And there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It simply means you’re in touch with your inner Handy Andy.
Read the full article in the latest issue of YOU.
Do you enjoy housework more than sex? Share your opinion in the comment box below.