Whether neglected, compulsive or reasoned, the household often reveals our relationship to control, disorder and the unexpected. “”The way we do the cleaning says something about us, our personality and our emotions“First indicates psychologist Amélie Boukhobza.
But what about us, concretely?
Households abandoned, between relaxation and fatigue
A dishes that piled up, a soil rarely cleaned, clothes forgotten in a corner … “Behind this lack of domestic maintenance is often hidden a certain letting go “ note the expert. “”Leaving everything in plan can also reveal a state of deep fatigue, even depression “.
So be careful because, “The risk of such a situation is that it continues, whether the house remains poorly tidy or not cleaned“Explains Amélie Boukhobza again.
To get out, she advises not to be alone in the face of this blockage. “”The help of an outside person allows you to start on a good basis“. If you feel a certain weariness in the face of household chores, asking for help from those around you can help you.
Excessive cleaning, a need for control
Conversely, some people do not support the slightest disorder and compulsively clean each corner of their interior. “”These behaviors can be linked to cleaning OCDs and a strong need for control over our environment “underlines the psychologist.
These immaculate interiors reflect a feeling of peace. “”Behind the impeccable house, there may be a need for appeasement, a way of calming anxiety“Indicates the psychologist.
The right medium, a reflection of our moods and our life cycles
Finally, many people oscillate between order and disorder, depending on the period.
“”Some leave dragging, repel, tolerate a certain disorder. Others do not support the slightest trace and clearly clean. And many oscillate between the two, depending on the mood or the periods of life ” Observes Amélie Boukhobza. “That said, something about our relationship to control, order, unforeseen”.
These people nevertheless find a real pleasure in storing, sorting or cleaning, to better reorganize their thoughts. “”When we sort, we reorganize, that we relieve ourselves of what clogs, it is often a desire for inner renewal. As if cleaning the outdoor space made it possible to clarify its mental space. And it’s a lot of good! “ assures the psychologist.
Is it possible to change?
If our habits seem anchored, they are not immutable. “We can adjust, evolve. Without upsetting everything either: a maniac does not become disorderly overnight, nor the reverse”. According to her, certain events such as a move, a rupture or a burnout can change everything.
Finally, our preferences also reveal personality traits. “”Some love to cook but hate ironing. Others find a real pleasure in storing a closet but rejecting the household of the bathroom forever“” She concludes. “Ultimately.