Years ago, I decided to upgrade my Tupperware collection. I threw away all my random containers that didn’t have lids, discarded to-go containers, and bought myself a sturdy, colorful, and pretty expensive collection of containers.
I wanted my refrigerator to look like those I’d seen and admired in home improvement magazines, with a variety of Tupperware sizes and colors, all neatly arranged in size order on the shelves. No more aluminum foil or plastic wrap covers for me. No more containers stained red or orange (after years of storing and reheating spaghetti sauce and chili). Just the good stuff for me.
I was quite impressed with my collection. I felt like I was truly adulting.
The only problem was that when I hosted dinner parties (as I often did) and guests wanted to take home leftovers (as they often did), I had no containers that I was willing to part with.
I started giving them storage bags instead of containers, which worked fine for macaroni and cheese or roast beef, but not so well for greens or chili. Plus, they always gave me a look, like “Really? A baggie?”
One Thanksgiving, I hosted dinner and the next day I was flying across the country to spend the week with family. So my guests, a dear cousin and her husband, said they would be happy to enjoy the leftovers so they didn’t go to waste.
That meant parting with my prized Tupperware dishes. But it was fine. It was family. I’d see them again. I let her know I was allowing her to take my “special” Tupperware, but I’d like it back when I returned. She agreed.
But then…the Tupperware never came back.
It wasn’t just that we broke up the set, it was that I no longer had storage containers large enough for my own leftovers. I was back to bowls and aluminum foil.
I bugged my cousin a few times, to no avail. Finally, out of guilt, she bought me a brand new set of really nice Tupperware dishes to replace the ones she’d borrowed, because she couldn’t remember which ones she’d taken. I couldn’t understand that. I thought mine were so special. How could they not be recognized in a sea of “regular” containers?
But the new ones were awesome, certainly just as nice as the ones I’d previously owned. In fact, maybe nicer. I realized I was starting to forget them…and they’d been so special to me.
It was at that point that I decided I could be OCD about my Tupperware, or I could enjoy having dinner parties again. I decided I love entertaining too much to be concerned about containers.
For me, hosting parties and enjoying time spent with friends and family – that is what adulting is really all about.
So, I went out and bought inexpensive sets of containers – for giveaways. I also started keeping the to-go containers that were well-made, of varying sizes, and had good lids – so that I could give them away, as well.
I bought some more expensive, colorful and sturdy containers for keeping at home. But when they need to be parted with, I no longer stress over it. I just look forward to buying more.
Recently, I had conversations with two separate friends about this issue, both of whom were possessive about their Tupperware. “It must be returned!” they declared. “It’s mine!”
I get it. I was there. I’m just not there any longer. I’d rather give away the container and preserve the relationship.
What about you?
Constantly Thinking…but not about Tupperware.
