Dad Says:
Ok. It’s happened. I am sure, well relatively sure, that every guy goes into marriage thinking that he will maintain that little element of cool. That maybe a man cave will suffice for the real thing, that caveman logic will somehow prevail and leave you a bit of that control over your environment.
The changes come slowly. A seasonal hand towel, festive for the winter season. A scented candle, that certainly does change the mood of a room. And who among us hasn’t let go that 1981 double album of the Pink Floyd The Wall from Japan, cause really you don’t even have a turntable anymore…
All this makes sense at the time and you don’t fight it. Then slowly, inexorably, the grip tightens. Pantone becomes a colour wheel you are familiar with. You know, without even thinking, that a change in throw pillow covers would instantly brighten up a room.
Then this.
Nothing wrong on the surface. In fact, it looks pretty good actually, with a definitive use of colour, shape and texture to create an appealing environment. But then comes a keener observation: the actual space used for sleeping has been tipped in favour of throws and accent pillows, none of which provide any level of warmth or comfort! We are now 2/3rds overwhelmed with fashion over function. Hell, it takes me 2 minutes to strip this thing down to a usable space at bed time, don’t even ask about a nap. The re-assemble in the morning has totally thrown off routine, and Gawd forbid if I miss a green/texture/sham arrangement and have to start all over…I will be lucky to get the kids to school for lunch.
I know that marriage is compromise. I know that in the grand scheme of things, this is puny. I know all these things. But at the end of the day, I really just want a place to lay my head without fear of impalement from the latest accessory. Too much? I don’t think so. After all, I didn’t get a say in the new couch fabric and I have no idea what just showed up from Urban Barn, but I am sure it is in my colour compliment so I should make out ok…
Mom Says:
For a guy who seems oblivious to the subtleties of married life, I am slightly in a state of shock that this has even registered on his radar. I honestly don’t even know how to argue this. Except maybe all the pillows will just go right on top of him when we head to bed…or we might just have a pillow fight.
Ha! I always told my ex that I’d get rid of all the extra pillows from the bed if he’d get rid of all his 8 track tapes and Beta movies. 🙂
Our two extra decor pillows have a routine: on the bed, onto the floor, on the bed, onto the floor, get piled up by the kid, onto the floor. Lather, rinse, repeat. Bruce had to cave too. No man cave for him – you can’t play footie in a man cave.