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Where do our lost socks go?  But, perhaps more importantly, WHY do our lost socks go?

It's all a matter of discipline.  Socks are like children - a little bit of discipline now will save a whole lot of frustration and heartache later on. 

STEP TWO:  On washing day, ONLY PLACE SOCKS IN THE WASHING MACHINE BY THE PAIR.  This is of utmost importance.  Firmly resist all temptations to wash single socks.  When finding such single, dirty socks in the laundry basket go straight back to the bedroom.  Be sure to look inside the wardrobe and especially in the toes of shoes and boots, where socks may have been stuffed for safe-keeping.  Search BOTH sides of the bed as well as in it, underneath it and underneath the dressing table.  Search the bathroom.  Return to the laundry and thoroughly check the contents of the laundry basket by completely emptying it.  Many missing socks have eventually been located underneath the pure wool jersey you intend to wash by hand one day.  If you don't find the missing sock this time you MUST NOT WASH the one you have.  Leave it in the laundry basket for next time.

STEP THREE:  Having placed only PAIRS of socks in the washing machine, relax and make a cup of tea, satisfied with your domestic prowess and strength of character.

STEP FOUR:  Take a pride in the way you hang your washing on the line.  It is on show to the neighbours and to the world.  Your reputation as a competent human being hangs in the balance here.  All male underpants are pegged neatly in line, side by side with matching clothes pegs.  All female, likewise.  Pillowcases next to sheets, face cloths beside the towels.  SOCKS ARE HUNG UP IN THEIR PAIRS. (Sure it takes a little extra time but you'll soon find a stitch in time saves nine and real estate prices in your neighbourhood will rise appropriately.)  Peg socks by the toe using wooden spring-clip style clothes pegs, thereby eliminating stretched, saggy, 'fall-down' socks.

STEP FIVE:  When single socks are found in the laundry basket, 'left-over', after pegging out the washing,  trace your steps back to the laundry immediately, carefully looking for dropped socks.  You may find them on the lawn, in the porch, on the laundry floor or very probably caught up in the now 'empty' washing machine, stuck to the side of the bowl, a victim of centrifugal force.  Can't find them?  Have a careful look inside the pillowcases and duvet cover.  They may have hidden there during the deep rinse cycle.  DO NOT REST UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL SOCKS PAIRED ON THE CLOTHES LINE.  Pairs went into the washing machine so physics teaches that pairs must come out.

STEP SIX:  The washing is now dry.  Unpeg it and bring it inside to fold up.  You will have great delight in successfully folding together pairs of fresh, clean socks.  Is there an odd sock with no apparent soul mate?  Immediately retrace your steps back to the washing line, carefully looking on the lawn or concrete path. You WILL find it.