I have a strange feeling that many of you will appreciate this post. Hubby and I recently had a conversation that went something like this:
Hubby: You know, I’ve been thinking lately…
Theta Mom: About?
Hubby: Well, you know…I work really hard, I’m up so early every morning, I put in really long days…and long weeks at work…
Theta Mom: Uh, yeah…
Hubby: Well, I need some ‘me’ time.
[SILENCE]
Theta Mom: Did you say me time?
Hubby: Yeah, like, you know…transition time.
[MORE SILENCE]
Theta Mom: Transition time???
Hubby: Yeah, like time just for me away from the kids…I need to unwind and make the transition to coming home from work and stuff…So, I’ve decided that I’m gonna take my bike out more often.
[ABOUT TO BREAK THE SILENCE]
Theta Mom: Ok, let me get this straight. You need to take “joy rides” on your motorcycle more often so that you can have time to yourself between your job and home, and this is what you are calling your “transition time?”
Hubby: Yup.
So Theta Moms, when Hubby is out riding his motorcycle, feeling the wind on his face and the freedom of the open road, he’ll be enjoying peaceful trips alone on his bike. His transition time is a total escape…
…and my transition time looks something like this:
Need I say more?
Oh dear…That sounds like us, in reverse. I am all for DH having his time and encourage it, but kind of get the evil eye when I suggest time away from him and the kids. Not that he is against it, but he seems a bit offended by it.
My transition is going from the girls room to the kitchen…or the laundry room to bed. Or from awake to asleep.
Ya, that wouldn't fly at my house. Your transition time is your way home from work.
I hate it that men feel they are entitled to more time away than they already have. Where is my time away darnit?!?
There's a book called Discover Your Spiritual Gifts. They have one for couples. It sounds like your husband is the Administrator. They talk all day because it's required,but they need a little "disengagement" time when they get home before they're ready to engage again. I'm the exhorter. I want to talk about everything–EVERYTHING. When I understood why he did things the way he did and the way I did, we were able to arrange our schedule so he had his unwind time and I had my talk time.
I understand your point–you've been with the kittens all day and need a break, too. However, different gifts work differently–they're like needs. Once you understand each other's needs, you have healthier expectations of what each person does and how it needs to be done.
The book is under my Moms Must-Haves Bookshelf.
I loved the converstion and reaction! It was a great read!
Oh dear. I'm kinda speechless on this. And that just doesn't happen very often. WOW!
ROFl
lol. thats funny… maybe he should transition into laudry and when he throws stuff in the dryer he can feel hot wind in his face?
tracy
ROTF. My husband's the same way. They just don't get it. I wouldn't be surprised if your hubby came home one day and had a flat tire! ;P
Wow! Too funny! Love it!
Why don't men have daddy guilt? I think we could learn a little something from their me-centric attitudes.
Funny post because it is so true — love the long silent pauses!:D