In this challenge, I need to share something with you. Husband and I are so alike in so many ways. However, the important things to us when getting ready for a trip is not one of them. Our hours before we back out of the driveway are some of our most tense. We have completely different perspectives, and completely different things on our "to do" lists.
So, Husband has agreed to tackle a little "He Says, She Says...". Without further ado.
So, Husband, how do YOU get ready for a trip? How are we different?
Husband: First, my bride has all the writing skills. That said, I will try to do my vantage point justice... I see vacations as a restful and fun reward for the hard work and tiresome days of real life. Whether that means long hours at the office, busy weekends crossing off endless to-do's, or middle of the night cries for more water, back scratches, etc. My life is full of deadlines and to-do lists, so it is nice when we get to plan trips that can be open, relaxing, and fluid.
However, when we come back to real life after vacation I am automatically thrown back into a world of goals, strategies, and execution. This puts my brain in stress mode. So, I just want to have a relaxing environment to come home to, because it helps us enjoy the last hours of our time off. We normally get home on Sundays, and this helps us be ready for the next week.
Tiny Twig: I like to GO. Go. Go. Go. Get Going. If the sink still has some dishes in it...as long as they are rinsed...fine! If the beds aren't made...who cares?? No one's going to be sleeping in them anyway! Still laundry in the laundry basket? Okay, I'll do it when I get home...after I'm renewed and refreshed from my time away. The most important things to me are that we are all packed, that we get going when we planned, and that we are all in chipper moods. Nothing annoys me more than taking forever to leave, or when Husband (sorry, baby!) gets in a short mood because he's more focused on the task than the relationship. :) I like to be in a good mood when I share a car with someone for an extended period of time. Is that so terrible??
My handsome man enjoys the house being absolutely spotless when he leaves...so it will still be absolutely spotless when he returns. I agree with this in theory...and I would love it if the house was spotless. But, let me be honest...if it is, I am going to have to be the one to make it so. And, really, it's just not at the top of my list. :) I have been trying to accomodate Husband in the things that are important to him when leaving for a trip--and I think I'm slowly (verrrrrry slowly) getting better. However, our personalities still tend to bump heads in these occasions.
Fair enough, Husband. I understand your desires, I just don't know how to get my personality to click with the "to do's" necessary to get us there. How do you and your significant other differ in funny ways? Is there something that you know causes friction--but it's kind of silly?