Washing the dishes

I once heard while watching tv - this must have been prior to 2011 since I haven't put a book down since then long enough to watch anything - that women in general were thinner than men because after eating meals the men went to sit down and the women cleaned up and did the dishes.  This allowed the women to work off a little of the meal they just had while the men worked on storing that meal in their love handles.  I think of this often right after I eat dinner.  I don't want to begrudge everyone for leaving me in the kitchen to clean up after them.  Let's pretend that Matt didn't just cook the whole meal (because half the time he does) or that my children are still young (Gwyneth helps by bringing her plate to the sink, but Matthias would honestly make more of a mess trying to help than actually helping).  Most days it's me clearing off the table, putting any food away, rinsing the dishes, loading the dishwasher, wiping the table down, wiping the counters down, and cleaning out the sink.  I now try to do this with a smile on my face and a song in my heart (shout out to Kalif!).  I think to myself how much skinnier I will be by doing these chores - I have to burn, what, 35 calories doing the dishes right?!  Maybe I'm perpetuating the stereotype that the women should be the ones who should clean, and believe me, I don't feel that way.  I promote equal opportunity in my household.  I just clean the kitchen, especially after Matt's cooked, as my way of helping.  Never mind that I always find myself going in to "finish" after Matt has done his version of cleaning.  He's great at putting things away, probably the best.  He just somehow can't physically see the crumbs still on the counter.  He can't help it.  It's not his fault. ;)  So, it's just easier if I do it all myself.  And no, honey, you can't use this as an excuse to "not help" .. damned if you do, damned if you don't.  :)