For the past six months in Abu Dhabi, I have repeatedly made the same oversight. This isn’t about a wardrobe malfunction or a social faux pas—at least, I believe it isn’t. Rather, this misstep has led to an unexpected consequence.
Let me explain: Earlier today, after selecting ingredients for chicken soup at the supermarket, I ventured to the cleaning supplies aisle in search of laundry detergent, as our stock had depleted. While we outsource much of our laundry, we still handle some at home. Unfortunately, since we lack a dryer, it can be a challenge to manage the laundry on our small patio, especially since my partner, Tom, and I both work long hours. I was determined to wash our sheets and let them dry in the sun, particularly since we’ve all been under the weather lately.
I stood in front of the laundry products, examining the options. Each label mentioned “softener” along with various terms in Arabic. I struggled to identify the right product, as there was no clear “detergent” in sight. What did I purchase last time? In October, I must have grabbed something instinctively without much thought.
Now, however, I was deep in contemplation. Is all laundry detergent labeled as softener here? It’s like saying potato versus Golden Russet. But why are all the bottles adorned with images of babies? Perhaps the idea is that adult clothing should be as soft and clean as baby garments. Ingenious marketing! Detergent is essentially softener for grown-ups, right? However, the overwhelming array of scents was baffling. Can’t we just have a plain cleaner? This must be a cultural thing; people here take pride in their fragrances and perfumes. I decided to choose the one that claimed to be “eco-friendly for sensitive skin,” as we’ve all experienced some irritation since arriving. It bore a resemblance to what I had purchased months ago, so I felt confident that I had made a sound choice.
As I placed the item in my cart, still confused yet relieved to find something familiar, I proceeded to the next aisle, where I considered purchasing a lunch box for my son, Jacob. My aim was to pack healthier snacks for him rather than letting him rely on the school cafeteria. I was practically humming with satisfaction, reveling in my domestic prowess.
“Humdeedumdee,” I thought. “I’m nailing this homemaker gig! I’m practically SUPERMOM!” I felt capable of thriving in the UAE—even without a dryer. I had cracked the laundry code all by myself! While some might have panicked, I embraced the ambiguity of the softener versus detergent situation. Clearly, I could teach seminars on cultural sensitivity and complexity.
Then, I noticed something unexpected. Just across from the lunch boxes were numerous options for laundry DETERGENT. Brands like TIDE, ALL, and FAB were prominently displayed on a shelf opposite the softeners. How could I have missed that?
The realization struck me: for six months, we had been washing our clothes with fabric softener alone. Is it any wonder we sneeze when opening the washing machine? Or that our skin has been so itchy? I had filled the detergent compartment with that liquid instead of using it sparingly. Moreover, I learned that excessive softener can actually make laundry feel stiff. No wonder my socks felt like concrete for months!
Now, back at home, I was preparing soup and washing clothes with actual detergent. However, I found myself pondering what else I might have misunderstood or, worse yet, what assumptions I had made about my surroundings. I had mistakenly thought all detergent in the Arab world was labeled as “softener” because that was all I could find. It was a misconception I could have easily shared with fellow expatriates.
So, newcomers take heed: the softener aisle can be misleading! Fear not; it is simply detergent by another name. While the scents may be stronger than expected, rest assured that filling your machine will keep your family clean.
What other revelations await? Perhaps a warm bowl of chicken soup is in order!
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Summary: This article recounts a humorous yet insightful personal experience navigating household responsibilities in Abu Dhabi. It highlights the confusion surrounding laundry products while subtly addressing cultural differences in product labeling and marketing. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the importance of adaptation and learning in a foreign environment.