Top Ten Things You Need to Know to Stay Married to ME:
#1 - Separate sinks. I am an only child. For my entire school career, no teacher ever wrote, "Plays well with others," on my report card. And also, people are gross. Husbands are no exception. Spit on the mirror, water stains on the faucet, toothpaste in the sink. Whether it be bathrooms on opposite ends of the apartment or dual sinks in the same master bath, this little bit of porcelain and pipe is all it takes to keep me happy in the bathroom. That and don't ever use my towel. Ever.
#2 - Separate sides of the bed. Beds may be for more than sleeping, but once it's time to go to dreamland, you better not cross that invisible line that divides his from hers. There is nothing that cools my ardor faster than your hot, hairy arm draped over my side. And don't ever put your head on my pillow. Just don't.
But if you ever bring home these pillowcases, I'm out.
#3 - Shoes and clothes live in the closet/drawers. I cannot live in chaos. And I'm not the maid. If it's not on your body, it better be put away or in the hamper. (And lest anyone feel too terribly sorry for my better half, it's worth nothing that I do ALL the laundry, including folding and putting the clean stuff away. So this is not a terrible burden I am demanding.)
#4 - There will be many books in the house. And I will spend significant amounts of time reading them. And I don't look kindly on people who come into the room where I am lost in a book and ask me if I'm reading. I will answer said inquiries in the manner which they deserve.
#5 - Don't channel surf while I'm in the room. Fortunately, our relatively recent decision to "cut the cord" has mostly eliminated this issue. Though technically, I could probably write a whole blog post about the endless Netflix speed surfing that goes on in our house.
#6 - Separate TVs. I'm all for togetherness and bonding over an episode of The Walking Dead and a bowl of popcorn (actually, I don't share bowls of popcorn well either), but there are times when I need to watch Downton Abbey without your mocking comments, or to have a 100th viewing of Bringing Up Baby. In those times, I will retreat to the bedroom and indulge in this fine programming. Husbands must not be offended, and in fact, are encouraged to use said free time to indulge in all the sports programming they can, as I also do not watch sports.
#7 - There will be cats. Always.
Hopefully, these dueling kittens.
#8 - I don't do outdoors. This applies to picnics, camping, hiking, and/or any other activity that might involve sweating, bugs, or peeing anywhere other than a bathroom. If there are any questions on this item, just ask my husband about the picnic or the camping trip. There was only one of each.
#9 - I love it when a plan comes together. I'm not a fly-by-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal (in case this list didn't already make that clear.) I like to know what to expect and make preparations accordingly. Having a child and adjusting to severe diet restrictions have not lessened this trait. I need to know that there will be a (safe) place to eat and clean bathroom nearby. Where I'll be sleeping and when also need to be established early on. I'm super fun on trips.
#10 - I need my space. The good news is that after you're good and sick of my all requirements, you can simmer in solitude because I like to be alone. A lot. I may love you with every fiber of my being, but those fibers needs a little breathing room on a daily basis or they get cranky. I hate cranky fibers.
If there are any questions on this item, just ask my husband about the picnic or the camping trip. There was only one of each.
ReplyDeleteYou went camping??? That is a haha moment and a Steve-what were you thinking??