We’ve all got them—the “good towels.” The ones that are perfectly folded, irresistibly fluffy, and never, ever used. They live in the cupboard like royalty while we dry ourselves with threadbare cloths that look like they’ve survived three cyclones.
And it doesn’t stop there. Maybe you’ve got the good crockery stacked away for mythical guests, or that fancy candle waiting for a moment grand enough to justify its flame. Some people even have perfume that’s still sealed in the box, as if the right occasion might one day announce itself with trumpets.
But let’s be honest—what are we actually waiting for?
Why We Save the “Good Stuff”
For many of us, it comes from childhood. Maybe your family had a “good lounge room” that kids weren’t allowed to breathe in. Maybe Christmas was the only time the fancy plates came out. That mindset—special things are only for special times—sticks with us long into adulthood.
There’s also a fear factor. If you never use the nice things, they can’t break, run out, or lose their shine. It feels safer to preserve them than risk disappointment. But here’s the twist: by “protecting” them, we miss the entire point—they never actually get to bring us joy.
How to Break the Cycle
So, how do we stop waiting for someday and start enjoying the good stuff right now?
- Flip the script. What if today is special enough? A Tuesday night dinner is just as worthy of the good plates as a Christmas feast.
- Start small. Pick one “saved” item and use it this week. Light the candle. Drink juice from the champagne flutes. Use the soft towel. Spoiler: you’ll smile more than you expect.
- Let go of guilt. Keeping something just because it was a gift or “too expensive to use” doesn’t serve you. If you won’t use it, pass it on to someone who will.
- Create micro-rituals. Make Friday night your “fancy glass” night. Use the nice plates for Sunday pancakes. Turning the good stuff into little rituals makes everyday life feel special.
The Bottom Line
The good towels, the good crockery, the good wine—they weren’t made for storage. They were made for living. Life doesn’t come with a guarantee of a “perfect occasion,” but it does give you today. And today is already pretty special.
So go on—pour the drink, light the candle, and use the good towels. You deserve it.