The 2-week Winter Holiday break from school has given me time to think about how relaxing it is to be at home.
It has been a ‘soak it in’ kind of moment, knowing that I’ll be back to work before I know it.
Resting in my recliner, in front of a fire, with Michigan football on the TV and bread baking in the bread machine, is almost perfect, in my opinion.
It is during these times when I am so thankful that we didn’t decide to travel somewhere for the holidays.
I realize, however, that staying home is not for everyone.
What’s Not to Love?
For me, staying at home is the ultimate experience. I am completely convinced of this.
You don’t have to talk with anyone. There’s no need to get all fancied-up, comfortable clothes will do nicely. Also, there’s no stress involved with having to socialize. (I know. I sound like loads of fun.)
For this Gen X adult, it’s a win, win situation.
If there ever was a time when staying at home was not desirable, I guess it would be if the house was in a state of chaos. If I’m being completely honest in this blog, there have been times where I have left to go somewhere else purely because it offered an escape from chores that I should have been working on.
When the house is clean, the rooms are quiet and void of any children bickering, you just can’t beat staying home for the evening.
Those Who Crave Action/Movement
I went to my dad’s house a couple of days ago to make homemade pizza. I go over to his place occasionally to cook meals for him that Mom used to make. (We are both always relieved when the taste of the meal reminds us of when she was there with us. Again…. I should have called this site BloggingForTherapy.)
While I was baking, Dad was talking about how he loves to get out of the house each day. He told me about a conversation he had with his sister where he was telling her if she lived alone, she would go out to eat daily as well.
I disagreed with him.
My dad is definitely not a ‘people person,’ however he does like to have some task/chore that he accomplishes each day away from the home – even if that chore is going to the store to get milk.
I reminded him that there are some people who are quite content, myself for one, with staying at home and not leaving the driveway.
He thought I was nuts.
Both my father and my sister hate to be alone. They’ve always been that way.
Before Mom passed away, she would remind me that Dad liked to go out to eat with others. She asked me to try and make sure that continues to happen.
Mom knew that Dad needed to leave the house each day. She also knew that I had an aversion to the very idea of being out in public so much.
Mom was preparing me to take care of Dad. I’m working on fulfilling that wish for her. (I also enjoy spending time with him. I don’t take it for granted that he will always be there.)
Being True to Yourself
I’m assuming that this is one of those occasions where there’s neither a right, nor wrong answer.
Truthfully, who cares?
If you want to stay in and be somewhat of a recluse, hermit, solitudinarian – so be it.
If you are a party goer, socializer, and all-around extrovert, super.
I would imagine that the most important thing to understand would be to know who your partner is, and how you can compliment each other in a way without driving the other one crazy.
Sounds like a simple, yet imperative, task.
Good luck. This introvert is staying home tonight, tomorrow night, and all nights in the foreseeable future.
Goals for Today:
- Snuggle In for a Nap
- Sit by the Fire
- Stay Home – No Need to go Anywhere Today