It really was like those bloody Joycean epiphanies in Dubliners; what had taken me so long to realise that it’s fine to sometimes take a break, or spoil oneself? It’s incredibly sad to think that there are so many people denying themselves this very pleasure! I suspect it has something to do with productivity, in both personal and professional aspects of a person's life: if you're not shown to be constantly working your arse off, then you're lazy, or simply not trying hard enough.
So let me finish by reiterating: stop making excuses to treat yourself on occasion. There is nothing wrong with pampering or spoiling yourself. In fact, you’re not just doing yourself a favour, but also to those who have to spend a lot of time around you. So do try having a good soak. Who cares about the ugly ring around the tub afterwards? It’ll come off! If you don’t have a tub, ask a relative or close friend if it’s okay to use theirs from time to time. Take it from me: pushing yourself for long periods will just cause you to crash and burn. I've had enough breakdowns to tell you confidently that story is old, and inconvenient, and skanky as hell if self-neglect persists for long enough. They're so twentieth-century, ugh.
Don't fancy soaking in a tub of clear water? Oh, don't worry, I plan to help out in regard to that. After all, I've had a good 3-4 years of testing out glorious bath products, and you can bet I've plenty to say about them.
Article comments
1 - Violet
I could not agree with you more. There are not many things that soothe me more than a bath. The enveloping warmth, that solitary moment. Bliss.
I do hope you can coax you're mum into having one some day, she won't look back!
2 - Snarkattack
Hi Violet, tell me about it. The poor woman works so damn hard, she could really do with the break, but all I hear is excuses...I'll keep working on it though.
In fact, I intend on having one myself tonight. I could do with a moment of bliss.
3 - Scott Butki
I tend to read while in the bath and try to take a warm bath 3 nites a week (I shower daily, for the record.)
The trick is in the reading selection. A newspaper, for example, is problematic. Believe me I've tried it.
Large books like Tom Clancy's are good to read if you want to work on strengthening your arm muscles.
Lately, though, I save articles I want to read with total concentration and place them next to
the tub.
Good piece.
4 - Mayank 'Austen' Singh
Ah, there are few more orgasmic pleasures in life than re-reading a Jane Austen or a Shakespeare in a bath tub filled with pleasantly hot water. It oozes out the exhaustion from the tired pores of the body, and fills them with a new rush of life-giving optimism. And how doubly soothing it is if the bath tub is shared with the naked naked companionship of a lover. Both of us re-reading two different books...and our bodies brushing off against each other from time to time......and when it becomes too much distracting, we make sweet nice familiar love and then again go back to our re-readings...till the next moment of desire.....aaahhh....
5 - Snarkattack
Hi Scott,
Thanks :)
I'm a total klutz - you wouldn't believe the amount of books I've partially destroyed when reading in the bath. Besides, I read so much I figure it wouldn't hurt too much to make bathtime word-free. Plus, I'm a bit too old to get away with reading those waterproof bath books. That'd look a little sad, I fear!
Ah yes, Mayank, sharing a bath with one's lover is indeed a treat! Though I've never read in the bath when I've company. There's the added benefit of having someone to lovingly scrub your back for you too. A bath can still be blissful without a companion, I do hope people will take note of that.
6 - larry
i am a great supporter of warm baths for soothing the soul. there is nothing more relaxing.. sometimes i fall asleep. unfortunally i have never had the pleasure of having a parner in the tub. when i get in a tub thereis no room for any one else,
7 - Snarkattack
Indeed Larry!
Baths are indeed soul-soothing!
Solitary baths are much more relaxing in a way, you don't have to worry about accidentally kicking so-and-so in a tender spot, or getting bathwater all over the place in an attempt to make room for your partner. The shared bath has its hazards!
8 - diana hartman
I am pleased to tell you this article is being featured in the Culture Focus today, August 15.
Diana Hartman
Culture Editor
9 - Snarkattack
Wow, thanks! I'm extremely flattered.
10 - Aspertor
Don't be so prissy about soaking in your own filth. I think this would only apply if you work down a coal mine - if you have a bath regularly there shouldn't be a problem with a scum mark. Anyway, the scum is on the bath not on you!