Readers confess their everyday indulgences

…Full-Time Cleaning Help.

To be fair, we are a dual, full-time professional income household, so that impacts my response. But I do prioritize full-time help over other extras.

I don’t think anyone should feel guilty about getting help, especially household help. I feel absolutely no guilt about it now, and I didn’t feel guilty in the early days of my marriage, either, when I had one or two babies at home and paid almost my entire salary to keep them at home instead of sending them out to a sitter group. This help is one of the most important things in my life, and it enables me to be a better mother and wife and focus on what really matters — emotionally and financially providing for my family without being overwhelmed by the menial parts of household management.

…a High-Quality Chef’s Knife.

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and a knife is my most versatile and useful tool. When I’m using a great knife, the overall experience is better, smoother, and easier. I don’t really replace my knives, just add to my collection every few years. There’s absolutely no comparison between my good knife and my cheaper, smaller ones.