After a lengthy discussion about where the couch, recliners, end tables and lamps would go I paused and asked him a question. “We’ve each been on our own for so long now, do you think it will be hard to adapt to sharing our ‘space’ with one another?”
“I hope not.” He cautiously replied. “I hope that I’m an easy person to live with. Then again, no one’s been around to tell me otherwise. I might be a total jerk.”
I laughed, as I knew that he was too good of a person to be a jerk to live with. I’m certain we’ll annoy one another with our unique habits and differing needs for personal space… but that’s all part of learning how to go through life with another person. The topic then led me remember that famous writing by author Robert Fulghum called All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Because it’s really all the exact same stuff packed into a different framework.
The following is an excerpt from his writing:
Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sandbox at nursery school.
These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work some every day. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
My personal Top Ten List of the points, however that REALLY stand out:
- Share (this MIGHT be the hardest one of all)
- Play fair (or fight fair I suppose also applies)
- Don’t hit people (DUH)
- Say you’re sorry (even if you’re not sure who’s wrong)
- Flush (and put the seat down, please)
- Live a balanced life (in my opinion… “Balanced” means play ALWAYS outweighs work)
- Take lots of naps (so you don’t kill each other)
- Watch for traffic (or trouble)
- Hold hands (no matter who is looking)
- Stick together (no matter what)
Woman In Thrisis 
That’s such a fabulous book. It’s a great mix of humor and wisdom.
And keep your sense of humor, no matter what. There may be days when one domicile seems too small for the two of you, but those days pass.
All so very very true. Apply loads of patience and wear each other’s shoes often.
Loving your post! Remember to pick your battles wisely. Socks in the living room – oh well! Taking the last sheet of toliet paper – not getting away with that one mister! Sharing the couch – ahh this is perfect:) Enjoy It! Have a Great Day:)
As a teacher, we would have that information on a poster in the central office so that we all would be reminded. In these days of testing, testing, testing, it is good to be reminded of the basics. It does fit “living together” for sure.
Love this post! I can so relate and those are great reminders. I’m sure y’all will be living in blissful harmony in no time. Naps? What are naps? 🙂
All these & more, have made for 31 years of a wonderful & happy marriage with my Doug who showers me with even more love & lets not forget ‘affection’ (& of course I shower him too ….) & we both want many many more years together. Both of wish the same to you Joanna & Lee & only the best for your future. 🙂