For the past six months in Abu Dhabi, I’ve been stuck in a cycle of confusion that’s left me scratching my head, but not in the way you might expect. I haven’t been making faux pas in social situations or sporting any fashion mishaps—at least, not that I’m aware of. Instead, my blunder has led me to a rather curious predicament.
Let me share a little story with you: Earlier today, I ventured out to gather ingredients for a hearty chicken soup. After selecting the fresh produce at the grocery store, I made my way to the cleaning supplies aisle to grab a bottle of laundry detergent. With the supply running low at home, this was a necessity. Although we outsource a significant amount of laundry, we still handle some ourselves. Without a dryer, getting everything washed and out on our tiny patio can be a real challenge, especially with my partner, Mark, and I juggling long work hours. Clean sheets and a warm bowl of soup were exactly what the doctor ordered, especially since we’ve all been feeling under the weather.
As I stood there, staring at the rows of laundry products, I found myself puzzled. Each bottle I picked up proudly proclaimed “softener” alongside some Arabic text. Was there no “detergent” to be found? It struck me—had I unknowingly been using the wrong product all this time? Back in October, I had likely grabbed something without giving it a second thought. Now, however, I found myself deep in contemplation.
Was every laundry detergent here merely labeled as softener? Perhaps it’s a matter of semantics, but why did all the bottles feature cheerful images of babies? I chuckled at the thought—maybe the marketing wizards believed that if adult clothes could be as soft and fresh as baby garments, they’d sell more. Smart move! So, was detergent simply a softener marketed differently for adults? The variety of scents overwhelmed me; I longed for something plain. It seemed cultural—people here appreciate sweet fragrances and elaborate perfumes. I decided on one that read, “Eco-friendly for sensitive skin,” hoping it would ease our rashes since arriving. The bottle looked quite similar to what I’d chosen months ago, so I felt optimistic.
I tossed my selection into the cart, still puzzled but relieved to have found something that resembled what we needed. With my mind wandering to the lunch boxes section, I imagined making healthier choices for my son, Alex, rather than letting him rely on the canteen. I was feeling pretty proud of myself—today, I was the epitome of a perfect housewife. I was even humming as I envisioned our soup, fresh sheets, and nutritious snacks.
Then, as I turned the corner, I was hit with a revelation. Right across from the lunch boxes was an entire shelf filled with laundry DETERGENT options. You know, brands like TIDE, ALL, and FAB—sitting on the OTHER side of the softeners! How had I missed that?
Reality sunk in—I had been washing our clothes for months using only fabric softener. No wonder we were sneezing every time we opened the washing machine. No wonder our skin felt itchy! I had been using the entire detergent compartment for that liquid instead of just a small amount.
And here’s the kicker: Excessive softener can actually make your laundry stiffer. My socks had felt like shoes for months!
Now, I’m back home with soup simmering on the stove and actual detergent in the washer. But I can’t help but wonder what else I might have been doing wrong. I had convinced myself that all detergents in the Arab world were labeled as “softener” because that was all I noticed. Imagine passing on this nugget of “wisdom” to other expats—what a disservice!
So, a word of caution to newcomers: don’t get lost in the softener aisle! Remember, it’s just detergent under a different name. The scents may be a bit strong, but don’t fret! Fill up that machine and keep your family fresh and clean! I can only wonder what other little discoveries are waiting for me in this new chapter of my life.
Chicken soup, anyone?
This article was originally published on April 5, 2015. For more engaging content, check out this blog post on our site. If you’re looking for options for at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers reputable kits. Additionally, for a comprehensive guide on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Johns Hopkins.
Summary
In this lighthearted reflection, I share my amusing yet enlightening experience of navigating laundry products in Abu Dhabi. My journey led me to the realization that I had mistakenly been using fabric softener instead of detergent for months. Through this story, I highlight the cultural differences in product labeling and encourage newcomers to be mindful in their shopping endeavors.
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