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Sidney Eley's avatar

I so appreciated your comments. It was my upbringing as well, right down to the tv and bedroom

Sidney Eley's avatar

It's harder than advertised

Sidney Eley's avatar

Your comment is amusing. 'because I am being irritable which of course makes me MORE irritated

Love it!

Sidney Eley's avatar

The remote is in my pocket

Debbie Costello's avatar

I suggest you have two TVs. When the kids were around, that’s what we did.

In terms of being alone, what is important for me is building relationships with several close friends. If you are in a relationship or not in a relationship, they can be key to happiness.

Linden Higgins's avatar

I so totally get this. The times when I get to be alone and just do my thing without being irritated or irritable (and worried about upsetting my partner because I am being irritable which of course makes me MORE irritated) are golden.

Tom Barritt's avatar

Are you going to let him back in? Will you change the locks? Will you carry the remote around with you like some carry their phone?

Ellen Baker's avatar

I lived in a small apartment in NYC when I was a kid. One TV in my parents bedroom. So they controlled the remote and the entertainment. Finally my brother ( whom I shared a room with until I married)and I had a small TV in our bedroom. I spent my childhood fearing my mother’s wrath and condescending remarks toward me. I carried that into my first marriage where I had NO CONTROL and was demeaned verbally. I recreated my childhood. Thankfully after years of counseling and the support of friends I now have a very equal and respectful relationship with my second husband. We have learned to negotiate and speak our minds. It took many years of counseling apart and together. The remote rests with both of us. We have found many wonderful shows on Netflix and Prime. We love psychological thrillers and drama. I watch other things on my own if necessary. Yea the remote and bed making do represent power and autonomy. It takes courage to break the cycle.

MARY D CHAFFEE's avatar

How do we make space for each other without giving up our self?