Always and Never: Ma's House Rules
Always cook enough for more people than you expect.
Never use the same toothbrush for more than a month.
Always turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Never let the dog on the couch.
Always refill the ice tray.
Never go to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes.
Always try a strong cup of coffee for a headache, before taking painkillers.
Never bring food or drink to the bedroom.
Always treat yourself to expensive, well-made shoes.
Never be the guest who shows up empty-handed.
Always offer to wash the dishes.
Never let clean laundry sit in the dryer for too long.
Always rinse cans and bottles before putting them in the recycling bin.
Never be cheap with money or food.
Always rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
Never drop in on people without an invitation.
Always give the mailman $20 at Christmas.
Never forget a birthday.
Always talk to children about everything - it’s how they learn how to be in the world.
Never add sugar to spaghetti sauce.
Always have fresh garlic in the kitchen.
Never co-sign a loan.
Always watch the original King Kong on Thanksgiving day.
Never throw away loose buttons.
Always be respectful of old people.
Never back down when you know you’re right.
Always have you sister’s back.
Never forget where we came from.
Carmen and Lana, April, 1967
- Lana Nieves is a Puerto Rican writer, photographer, and lunchbox enthusiast from Brooklyn, who has somehow landed in San Francisco. One of her many online projects can be found here.
Check out Nieves' previous Dead Housekeeping entries: how to give a toast and make cafe con leche.