Dishwasher wars, doggy style and changing stripes

Dear Rachel,

Everyone talks about how couples load the dishwasher. But what about how couples UNload the dishwasher? Is there a right way, like putting silverware on a towel to finish drying and stacking plates in the appropriate order? Or a wrong way, like pure chaos mode and everything still wet? We want your answer, for the sake of our domestic bliss!

– Dish It & Take It

Dear Unlocked & Unloaded,

The UN Commission on UN-loading the Dishwasher decrees, in no uncertain terms, that the peoples of the world are committed to taking basic care of each other’s kitchenware. This, however, leaves room for cultural differences within the foundation of this basic understanding. The Commission thereby encourages you to communicate within your household and compromise accordingly. Militant, unbending perspectives are invited to join the Bored of Peace instead.

– In unity, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

It seems like more and more dogs lately are wearing dog goggles, aka “doggles.” I understand if it’s for some kind of medical condition, or if you have, say, an avi rescue dog that spends a lot of time on bright snow. But more and more, it seems like a fashion statement. Are doggles the new doggie coat? And more importantly, do I need to run out and get some for my dog to look cool?

– Boggled

Dear Furry Vision,

Yeah, I’m this kind of dog person: Your dog is not your mannequin for fashion accessories. Unless your dog is already a fashion accessory, in which case, you’re just layering shame on shame. But don’t make your dog suffer through stuff just because it’s trendy. If you’re getting doggles, your dog better already be in an avi program – or, better yet, you better be buying a doggie sidecar for your human motorcycle.

– Ain’t nothin’ but a, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

How long does it take for a person to undergo meaningful growth and healing? We’ve watched my brother go through it with a good-hearted but badly behaved girlfriend. He finally took a couple weeks’ break to get his head on straight. Their friends are reporting that she healed “so much” in that time. We siblings think maybe she had a change of heart but can’t accomplish more than that without months of effort. What do you say?

– Stubborn Sister

Dear Wary Mary,

Gee, even I know better than to generalize an individual’s healing journey. That said, two weeks is nothing. Reminds me of the friend who insisted her broken ankle was healed enough to dance on, just because she’d been cleared to walk. Guess who is now hobbled for the foreseeable future? So, I don’t blame you for getting protective. I recommend this true test of her growth: See how she handles him proposing – not marriage, but a switcheroo in how they load the dishwasher.

– Hackles up, Rachel