Ironing

I wonder if ironing is becoming a thing of the past. I’ve heard many people say they do not iron. Me? I continue to iron. I don’t iron as much as I used to, but I cannot fathom wearing certain articles of clothing without ironing them.

A friend who has been married over twenty years still has her first iron she received for a wedding gift. She doesn’t remember the last time she used it and has no plans of using it again. I’ve been married thirty-plus years and have worn out quite a few irons.

For those who iron, there is a difference of opinion on what needs to be ironed. I learned this best when I was in my teens. I was visiting with a couple who had two young children. I asked if I could help with anything and the woman said I could do her ironing. She brought me a clothes-basket filled with socks and underwear. I questioned my friend about the contents of the basket and she assured me this was her ironing. I began ironing the underwear and socks while realizing this family wore the best looking underwear in town.

I find ironing to be therapeutic, clearing my mind. I have solved some complicated problems while ironing. Maybe I should iron more often.

But please don’t ask me to do your ironing. I don’t like it that much and I have plenty ironing of my own, providing enough time to solve all of my problems. On the other hand, if you really needed, I may be inclined to help you. But you need to know something. I don’t do underwear. It happened once, but it won’t happen again.