In the course of their careers, many married men will be confronted with the need to live away from home, and away from their spouses for extended periods of time. The following guidelines will provide essential guidance to help married men adjust successfully during those periods.
- Before leaving for the grocery store make a list of all food items you will need for the coming week. You may want to consider categorizing this list by food and home supplies areas: fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, cleaning supplies, etc. so that you are more organized once in the store. Leave this list on the counter upon leaving your apartment.
- Before placing clothing in the laundry to be washed, place two unmatched socks in the trash can.
- Purchase ample vegetables including ample supplies for salads: lettuce, kale, spinach, carrots, green peppers etc. While organic fruits and vegetables a slightly more expensive, they contain fewer potentially harmful chemicals. Place these vegetables in the trash can or in the sink disposal immediately upon returning home. This will prevent them from rotting in the refrigerator.
- The clothes dryer is the one that doesn’t use water.
- Maintain a high level of cleanliness in your apartment. For instance, consider cleaning the bathroom a minimum of twice a year. Dust balls with a diameter of 4 or greater are generally a good indication that it would be of value to sweep the floor.
- Dressing in layers is a valuable way to maximize your wardrobe in all weather conditions. For instance, 2 to 3 pairs of pants should be sufficient to keep you warm on even the coldest of days.
- Milk is generally good 2-4 weeks beyond the stated expiration date if health is not a consideration.
- Paper towels can take the place of multiple other paper items such as toilet paper and hand napkins, although not simultaneously.
- Gather an ample supply of Tupperware as well as other plastic food containers. Take-out containers from Chinese and Thai restaurants, used margarine tubs and gelato containers can be repurposed for food storage. You will recognize that you have reached an ample collection when you can no longer link the container with the matching lid within a four-hour time span.
- Under no circumstances should Cheerios or any other breakfast cereal be deep fried.
- The appearance of rust and mold spores are two good indicators that is may be time to change the razor blade.
- For the sake of your personal health and sanity, it is of great value to invite your wife to visit you in your away apartment 2-3 times a year. This will also dramatically reduce your or your apartment’s potential as a public health hazard.
