Sharing a bath is always something I’ve been used too. Some will think that it’s disgusting while others will know where I’m coming from.

For our family, sharing a bath was always a way of life for us as a child, particularly on a Sunday evening. I’m not that old but I remember the three of us in a big metal tin bath, in front of the fire watching Black Beauty. Those were my earliest memories and it must have been in the mid to late seventies.

Inevitably, the time comes when you can no longer share the tub, especially when it’s your sister. Needless to say we still shared the water. This was due to having hot water stored in a water tank and with five of us, it would run out. By the time the third person had a bath, the tank would be full and hot again. As you can imagine, although it wasn’t an Olympic event, fighting for first place was always in situate when it came to having a bath.

By the time we were all old enough to realise what we were doing, a shower had bee installed in the family bathroom and the bath was redundant for many years.

Bath time never really existed again until I brought my own property. The days of a nice long relaxing soak whilst listing to the football with a cup of tea in my hand has long gone.

When my girlfriend moved in, it was back to sharing the tub. Only this time it was a bit more fun and romantic.

Since my girlfriend is now my wife and we have our own family, things have gone around in full circle.

The boys share the bath with their mum whilst I hang over the side helping with the hair wash, sponge wash and mopping up. Once again, I’m back to getting in the bath last but with different reasons for sharing to the days of my youth. It’s more to do with environment and cost cutting these days rather than the hot water tank running out.

And the point to this article; A little friendly advice. Before getting into a murky bath, check your kids haven’t left you a little ‘surprise’ as my little darling did not so long ago! Never again have I got into a shared bath without asking questions first.

YIKES!

I remember sharing a bath with my brothers, but only vaguely. I remember being afraid of a shower for some reason, and then having the realization of the speed and efficiency of the shower.

As for the hot relaxing bath while watching football with a cup of tea statement... Well... um, I now have a new target to redirect towards for those who hassle me for my man-card!

I certainly long for a "bathroom I can play baseball in," and a jacuzzi tub "big enough for ten plus me." I really should learn how to play guitar. Actually, I'll be happy with a house with TWO bathrooms.