What True Love Looks Like aka Our Laundry Machine Takes 4+ Hours to Wash and Dry a Single Load

True love is when H thanks me for doing the laundry, when his undershirts go into the dresser drawer looking like this:

 

And he means it.

True love is also when H doesn't mind that I hang my underwear to dry from his (in use) shirt hangers.  Fingers crossed that we don't have any static cling emergencies.

Undershirts Are For Mormons

Apparently my posting on undershirts was quite a pertinent observation. Today in a meeting at work, one of the participants, P, noted that he had a newish member in his group, an American, who started in the office about two months ago.

Another person, C, said, "Who is it? I wouldn't know him if I ran over him in my car."

P responded, "Oh, you'll notice him. He dresses like an American ...very casual...he wears those t-shirt things under his shirt."

To which I of course responded, "You mean, an UNDERSHIRT?"

So today, the undershirt conversation happened not just on this blog, but at work. And I learned that not only are undershirts considered to be a totally strange phenomenon here, but they are also considered to be wholly American. And the icing on the cake? C, who had spent some time in Utah, declared that undershirts are not only American, but that they are predominantly Mormon religious apparel. Umm, no?

So all Western Australians, please note that:

1. Undershirts are not casual. In fact, I would contest that they are significantly dressier than baring your nipples and chest hair through and over your shirt.
2. Undershirts are not American, they're worn by all nationalities, except apparently Western Australians.
3. There is a difference between long underwear and undershirts.

So tell me please, who is right?

Anonymous Expat versus most of Western Australia

Comments welcome.

How to Dress Western Australian, Or Not

Dear Western Australian men,

Have you ever heard of these?



They’re called undershirts, made for wearing under shirts, particularly button down “dress shirts.” Please use some of your 37.5 hour work week salary to buy a few packs. Nipples and chest hair are not such a good look in the office.

Thanks,
Anonymous Expat

Speaking of inappropriate work attire, how about the following first week of work observations?

1. Yes, cycling to work is quite popular in WA. Riding the elevator up to your office in white spandex bike shorts? Perhaps not such a good choice. Thanks Man on Floor 42, but no one wants to see that much of you.


2. Running to work is another WA commuting option that I support. Continuing to wear running short shorts with built in briefs until lunch time in the office is not an idea that I like quite as much. Particularly when this option involves removing shoes and socks and walking around the office barefoot for four hours. I still don’t understand the WA love of going without shoes.


3. Pink sheer shirt with Country Western styling and stitching details, sans undershirt? First, thanks for sharing your healthy chest hair growth. Second, see above regarding undershirts. Third, umm no?


4. Overly fitted button down shirts. If your shirt is so tailored, that it’s pulling between buttons and showing your stomach or chest, you probably need a larger sized shirt. Another situation where undershirts would help.


5. Other items that have no place in business attire: feathers, sequins, embroidered unicorns, and excessive cleavage, male or female.

I would also like to do a special shout-out to the person with the Twilight calendar in her office. Semi-pornographic vampire photographs are always a great way to start your day.