I like to plan ahead.
Almost too much. If we’re going on a trip, I pack weeks in advance and make long lists of all the things that will need to be remembered. If it’s a camping trip, I’ll plan menus and extensive shopping lists and a list of all the pans/serving spoons/leftover containers we’ll need, down to a knife to put bacon grease in the skillet.
I thrive on planning ahead, and it can be a big help so that we aren’t scrambling last minute, especially with four children added to the mix.
But the downside is that I’m not very flexible. When things don’t go according to my carefully constructed plan I often feel frustrated. Being a planner has its weaknesses.
Andy is my opposite. He rarely packs before it’s time to leave, and doesn’t enjoy writing lists at all. He often forgets things when he goes away, but he is very good at going with the flow and a change of plans doesn’t bother him a bit.
We’ve both rubbed off on each other a bit since we got married. I’ve gotten a little better at not stressing out when plans change last minute, and Andy has started making a few lists.
Still, I was stressed FOR Andy as I watched him pack (or rather, not pack) to go caribou hunting yesterday. He was in no hurry whatsoever, and I had my eye on the clock, asking, “What can I help with? You need to leave in two hours and nothing is packed yet!”
Finally I gave up worrying that he would be late, told him goodbye, and went to my midwife appointment. He’s a grown man and doesn’t need my mothering.
When I got home I was a bit relieved to see that it looked like he had gotten all the food items he needed from the fridge and freezer, and had even remembered to pack himself some clothes. He forgot the maps and the hunting regulations, but those aren’t that important for hunting caribou and brown bears in the Alaska interior, right? 🥴
What are some ways you differ from your spouse? Have you become more similar or more opposite as the years go on?
So true! So funny! We’re like Kim and her husband. I’m grateful for the thorough research on some points. I just have to remember to leave time for it.
Good one Tabitha….and oh I buck when things don’t flow in pattern. But I’m learning!
Our story sounds a bit like yours… I’m waiting at the door with mine and all six children’s suitcases packed, and my husband comes flying in at the last minute, throws his things in a bag, and away we go… and I’m asking “do you have your phone cord, your wallet, a jacket, the ez pass…?” He’s good for me though, I’ve learned it’s ok to take risks and fly by the seat of your pants sometimes, and he’s more apt to think of the cost and plan ahead then what he used to.
My husband likes to do loads of research before making a larger purchase, which takes forever. Me, I’ll go to a home store and pick a decent brand, the best we can afford, and done. I’ve learned to get him on the research part waaaaaay before the appliance dies. Lol. Then, I have him give me three to pick from. Boom, I pick one, done and delivered. When we were first married, I’d go insane waiting on all the research. Now, I’ve learned to get him started early, and he’s learned to report back only with a couple of recommendations! 😂