Navigating Life in Abu Dhabi: A Laundry Mishap

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For the last six months in Abu Dhabi, I’ve been making the same blunder repeatedly. No, it’s not about saying the wrong thing or wearing something inappropriate—at least, I hope not. Instead, my little misstep has led to some unexpected consequences.

Let me explain: Earlier today, I picked up the ingredients for chicken soup at the grocery store and headed to the cleaning aisle to grab some laundry detergent since we had run out. We do a lot of laundry ourselves, but without a dryer, it’s a challenge to get all our clothes out on the tiny patio, especially with both of us working long hours. Anyway, with the cold season hitting us, I thought chicken soup and fresh sheets would be perfect.

I stood there staring at the laundry products for what felt like ages. Every bottle I picked up said “softener” with some Arabic words I couldn’t decipher. Was all laundry detergent just labeled as softener here? It felt like a strange game of semantics. And why were there so many baby pictures on the labels? Maybe it’s a marketing ploy to suggest that adult clothes should feel as soft as those adorable little outfits. Clever, right? But seriously, can’t we get something that smells neutral?

I decided on an “eco-friendly for sensitive skin” option because, let’s be honest, my skin has been a bit rashy since we moved here. The bottle looked similar to what I had chosen months ago, so I figured I was in the clear.

Feeling like a domestic goddess, I pushed my cart toward the lunch boxes, determined to pack healthier options for my son, Max, instead of letting him eat from the canteen every day. I was humming to myself, proud of my domestic prowess. Who knew I could tackle the laundry riddle without any help? I should probably start teaching classes on cultural nuances and adaptability.

But then, as I reached the lunch box aisle, I happened to glance across to the other side of the cleaning aisle—only to spot a whole shelf of laundry DETERGENT options! Tide, All, and Fab were all right there. How did I miss that?

It hit me like a ton of bricks: for six months, I had been washing our clothes with fabric softener instead of actual detergent! No wonder we’ve all been sneezing like crazy and dealing with itchy skin. I had been filling the detergent compartment with that softening liquid instead of just using it sparingly.

And guess what? Using too much softener can actually make your laundry feel stiff. My socks have been as tough as shoes for months! Ugh.

Now, I’m back home with soup cooking and laundry going in with real detergent. I can’t help but wonder what else I’ve gotten wrong during my time here. It’s a little embarrassing to think that I could have passed along this “knowledge” to other expats.

So, a friendly heads-up to anyone new to this place: don’t get lost in the softener aisle! It’s just detergent under a different name. The scents might be a bit overwhelming, but fill up your machine and keep your family clean! What will I discover next?

Chicken soup, anyone?