KERA's Think Why you fight about the dishwasher
Nov 27, 2025
Ellen Cushing, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the quirky world of household chores, particularly dishwasher drama. She reveals why these conflicts often reflect deeper relationship issues. Explore the surprising conclusions drawn from countless online tutorials and the psychology behind how we load our dishwashers. Ellen discusses the historical context of dishwashing and its societal implications, while also sharing practical tips for optimal loading. Prepare to rethink your dishwashing habits and their underlying meaning.
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Dishwasher Arguments Are Universal
- Dishwasher fights are extremely common across households and online, revealing a widespread domestic tension.
- Ellen Cushing found thousands of tutorials and strong opinions showing this is a near-universal dispute.
Gave Up Then Relearned Dishwashing
- Ellen Cushing ceded dishwasher control to her partner after clashing over loading styles in 2017.
- She later relearned dishwasher use after reading a philosopher who framed domestic duties as civic responsibility.
Dishwasher Reflects Core Household Values
- Dishwasher loading signals deeper values about space, efficiency, cleanliness, and disgust.
- These values make seemingly small chores emotionally charged in relationships.