Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

     The other day I was asked by a gentleman if I liked sports.  Not particularly was my answer.  Why, I asked.  He said that his wife of four years was lamenting over football starting in a few weeks and that she would lose her husband to it until the season was over.  I looked over at him as if I were waiting for the punchline.  I was thinking, where was the problem in this situation?  The sports lover asked me what my take on spouses spending time watching sports instead of being with their spouses was.  I stated that there were no issues for me that my husband spent his time watching sports instead of being with me.  Actually, I let him know that I thought it was great that my husband was able to enjoy watching sports without me.

     In fact I really preferred him to go enjoy his favorite pastime.  With a curious look on his face the man cautiously asked me why.  My reason was simple.  While my husband was busy watching sports, I was studying, shopping, or enjoying my favorite pastimes.  I enjoy listening to all types of music while I quilt, write poetry, read novels.  I do not expect my husband to like everything I do.  Let's face it, its not like your spouse is out handing out bills at a strip joint!  They are just enjoying some sports either alone or with other sports lovers.  Hey better them than me!  

     Yes, I do admit that when I was younger I was insecure and clung to my man.  I even endured sitting on the couch and watching (actually sleeping through) hours of endless sports.  Heck, I even bought him tickets to different sports events and attended with him.  That was the young me who wanted to please my man and overlooked my likes and wants.  Now that I am more mature, I realize that in order to make one another happy you need to communicate, trust and  support one another.  If sports makes my spouse happy then more power to him watching it.  Likewise, I know that my husband also wants me to do what makes me happy.  

     After we indulge in our hobbies we do come together and enjoy doing things we both like.  Being in a committed relationship takes give and take.  If you allow for time apart from one another you will both grow to appreciate the time you do have together all the more.  The old saying, "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder" is really true.  The time you spend doing your own thing will nurture your relationship and show your partner that you care enough to give them space.  You will reap the rewards when your loved one enjoys the time you do spend together! Have a positively Blessed day!