Dear Sammy

Dear Sammy,

I am a stay-at-home mom & I enjoy most things about it. I get to hang out with my kids, and I love to cook. I don’t mind cleaning, but I have some, I guess, struggles. One is that I don’t mind doing laundry, but the act of folding it feels like pulling my teeth out. I don’t know what it is about that particular chore, but it is so hard to force myself to do it. This means I end up with baskets and baskets of clean, unfolded laundry. It has become a point of argument between my husband and me when he ends up having to dig for socks or a pair of underwear. Sammy, how can I make this chore less dreadful?

Sincerely,

Drowning in the laundry pile.

Dear Drowning,

If your children are old enough, have them help fold laundry. You can make it into a fun game, like whoever folds the most clothes wins. It may also help to separate your loads, like having your socks and underwear separate so they’re all together, and your husband won’t have to dig for them. It may help to think about folding as your relaxation time during the day of cleaning. Sit down, put on a show you like, and enjoy your time to rest while folding laundry.

Dear Sammy,

I moved to New Mexico to live on the family farm with my in-laws, and honestly, it feels less like a fresh start and more like early retirement in a graveyard. Not all, but the majority of people in and around our town are so negative! The air is always thick with complaints, and the whole place seems designed to suck the soul right out of me. Some days I feel like I moved her to die, not live. My in-laws thrive on misery and drag everyone else down with them. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life marinating in their negativity, but I also don’t want to blow up my marriage trying to escape. They will never treat me like a daughter- unless it’s gaslighting, excuse making and fake sympathy when others are around to look good.

Sammy, how do I keep my sanity in a place that feels like it’s actively trying to kill it?

Sincerely,

Six Feet Under (but still breathing)

Dear Six Feet Under,

Have a conversation with your husband about moving and changing the scenery. When you both come to an agreement, go to your in-laws together and talk with them about these issues, how they affect you, and the changes that need to be made. Try finding activities outside in the community, or alone, to help keep the negativity down. Continue to do things you enjoy. Wherever you are, we are sure you can find a happy place, even if you don’t see it right away.

Whether you’re facing a personal crossroads, seeking relationship advice, or just curious about what Socorro’s seasoned voices have to say, the residents at Socorro Wellness and Rehabilitation, (formerly named The Good Samaritan), are ready to listen.

To submit a Dear Sammy letter, please write to:

Dear Sammy

P.O. Box 1279

Socorro, NM 87801

The mailbox is checked daily, and all letters are welcomed with warmth and curiosity.

Or email: activity@socorrowellness.com