When I married Leonard, I faced the challenge of managing our home. My mother-in-law, Prudence, offered advice that often led to mishaps. Despite my efforts, things went awry.
Prudence’s tips included:
- Lemon in the Dishwasher: “Just pop a few slices into the dishwasher,” she said. I did, causing a costly repair when lemon pieces clogged the filter.
- Cleaning Windows with Newspapers: She suggested using newspapers for streak-free windows, but it left smeared ink instead.
- Coffee for Pots: Prudence claimed coffee could clean tough residue. Using coffee grounds scratched my non-stick pans.
- Sugar on the Lawn: She advised spraying sugar water on the garden, which attracted insects.
- Bleach for Stains: “Bleach is a miracle worker,” she said. I ruined a silk dress with it.
Realizing Prudence’s advice was sabotaging me, I decided to get even. At a family dinner, I used her tips with a twist, ruining the meal and her jacket with bleach. Leonard and I confronted Prudence, who left embarrassed.
Leonard praised me for handling the situation well, and I felt empowered to tackle challenges on my own.