I hated showers

Baths were fun because of the bubbles and my cousins' battleship and my green Max Ray Centurion with the diving gear. But showers were pleading, screaming affairs with shampoo stinging my eyes and water attacking my face. My mom used to have to drag me into the shower with her to get the job done.

One day, Mom tried something different. She walked me into the bathroom when my cousin was showering. "Okay, Douglas" said Mom. The shower door opened halfway, and I could see Doug's head and shoulders. He waved hi. Then he stood facing away from the shower head and leaned back so the water wet his hair. Staying in that position, Doug shampood and rinsed, while Mom gave a running commentary on the technique. No stinging eyes, no attacking water! I was convinced.

Soon after, I started to brave the shower by myself. It wasn't as bad as I imagined. Sometimes I showered for an entire hour. Before, when I went swimming, I would never put my face underwater. But after mastering the shower, I called my friend a wimp 'cuz he was afraid to do it.