I love my neighbours very much, in fact over the years living side to side, you can say we have become close friends. They were there when my heart was broken (10 million times), they sent me gifts and cards while I was away in London, and they often take my dog when I go away. I was there for them also. Through jobs, unemployment and terrible fights and even break ups (they are a couple). However, I have to say they are total PIGS. Disgusting creatures that never clean, have no space left on either their sofa’s or their floor and when you first arrive you always step in something sticky. But I love them.

Tonight I went over to visit them, as I always do once a day. And as I sat their and Shiri complained about her life being stuck, not having enough time with Rotem and how unhappy she is at work, one thought kept running through my head. No wonder she feels gross, look how they live, after all your house is a reflection of your mental state. Now my house is not clean, in fact there are dog hairs and dust everywhere, and I wait every two weeks for my cleaner to come to rescue me from myself. But their house, their lifestyle is really just too much.

Shiri had to pop to Shenkin and asked me to wait for her, she would be 10 minutes or so. While I waited for her, reflecting on my crappy day, I made a decision.

Sometimes you can’t help yourself, but you can help someone else.

I rolled up my sleeves and began to clean. 20 minutes later Shiri returned to a lovely, dish free house, with folded clothes and lots of sitting space. She was of course furious at me.

I can now go to sleep, knowing that deep inside she is happier (I know she is), that tonight her and Rotem will finally sleep peacefully, and that the memories of my rotten day have been washed away also in those same soap suds.