Proven: people who enjoy cleaning are the most sociable people

You know the types, those who are already standing with a yellow cloth in their hands while you are still calmly sitting at the table enjoying a drink. So I am one of those people who is still sipping on a glass of red while others are already busily working with Dreft, but yes, there has to be a difference.

I also have friends like that. They empty my dishwasher without me asking. Not all of them, of course, but some just can't help it. Or when I go to eat at their place, my plate is already clean in the cupboard before I even leave the house. With panicked eyes, they look at a dirty plate: that! must! be! clean! They have a slight OCD when it comes to cleaning; you undoubtedly know people like this too. And it's really nice, you know. They just enjoy doing it for a bit, to help out. They love to clean. I'm not entirely like that, but okay: a clean kitchen is quite fresh. And I also like to make my bed with nice pillows on it. I just think it looks nice, such a sexy bedroom that is calm and clean. That's a good sign because people who like to clean are apparently more sociable. They are more empathetic and happier.

Now, there is something to say for every little study like this, because of course, people can also be sociable even if they absolutely hate cleaning. But if you look at it logically, from a psychological perspective, you can understand it somewhat: those who enjoy helping by scrubbing and vacuuming are generally a bit nicer. And those who live in a clean, fresh, and thus healthy environment automatically become a lot happier. In any case, it is true that people who love to clean are about 25 percent happier than those who hate it.

According to researchers, people who enjoy cleaning can make contact more quickly and are also empathetic. They like to listen to others instead of just talking about themselves. They are understanding and loyal to their friends. And of course, all that tidying up also helps in their careers: those who live in a clean and calm house are more productive. You are less easily distracted by all the mess. So grab that yellow cloth and get to cleaning. I suddenly understand my friends now. You know what you're doing it for, right?