We used to repair things. We used to make them whole again or if we couldn’t, at least make them workable. But now I live in a throw-away culture where if a garment, object, opinion or relationship doesn’t work for me anymore, I can just replace it. In fact the new one is probably prettier, shinier and more novel than the old one.
Never mind that the old one may have been better made, the new one will need to be replaced again in a short time. I’ll probably be bored of it by then anyway.
Some things, like cars and relationships, do better with a bit of maintenance. If they get attention, and care hopefully there won’t be a lot of mending needed. But accidents happen and no routine care is perfect. Wear and tear still occur and repair is still sometimes necessary.
But I realize that my generation barely knows how to do this. I’m trying to teach my children but it’s hard to explain why restitching a seam or replacing a button is worthwhile when the shirt was only $5 and good buttons and thread are expensive and harder to come by. When time is often a larger scarcity than money.
Perhaps the problem is in not investing in worthwhile things that are work care and repair. A $5 shirt can be cheaply and easily replaced but we also wear out quickly and may not even be able to be mended. But a quality item can be made serviceable for many years with good upkeep and occasional mending.
A casual relationship may feel like no big loss but a solid friendship or a stable, lifelong marriage are harder to build, but last longer. They require care but are worth maintaining.
We invest in what we truly value. When we build with quality we will maintain well. We mend what is worth preserving.
This is my first time back joining the weekly writing prompt at Five Minute Friday since sometime in 2025. One word prompt, five minutes of free writing. Please feel free to click through and see the other writers who shared their thoughts on this week’s prompt.
I echo your sentiment that longer relationships require more care but are worth maintaining. We nver know when we will most need friends and loved ones! I am your neighbour on FMF
I too tend to discard things instead of try to repair them–although once in a while I have tried to repair something I really loved and did not want to have to let go of.
Very thought provoking post.
Thanks for sharing.
I think being part of a throw-away society is that hopefully it helps us to see what is important enough to work to keep. visiting from FMF20