I really like what you have to say about spouses. I often wonder what interactions will be like when I have a spouse. I’ve lived with all manner of people, but there’s something unique about that kind of intimate partnership. I trust I’ll find someone who either values solo time as much as I do – or appreciates that the need for built-in loneliness does not mean a lesser love.

I am new to your blog; found it through the Beer and Butter Tarts site. Congrats on your Canadian Food Blog Award nominations. I’ve savoured several (and counting) of your posts. Bravo to you. You will, no doubt, sweep each category. Good luck… not that you’ll need it.

With regards to this specific post, creating art is exhausting, especially when one is uber sensitive to the pull of outside forces. I liken your thoughts and insights to that of spouses who say about their professional stand-up comedic partners, “They’re so quiet at home.”

Prolific writers are productive because they’ve allow themselves however much alone-time they need; guilt-free, to create words others want to read.

You are an amazing writer: take all the time you need.

To be clear, I have a close, loving Latin/Italian family whom I stay in contact with on regular occasion. And also have a couple really close friends that I have known since my teenage years. Although our connection is limited due to our different paths. They- Marriage/kids, Me- Not so much.

I also have a very social job, as I have been a bartender for many years at a variety of popular restaurants and bars.

But when it comes down to it, if I have a choice of what to do in my spare time…ineveitably, I choose solitude. A healthy solitude though, never a lonely feeling incurred.

I think it shows a strength of character, and a sense of inner peace and confidence to be comfortable with yourself and your thoughts.

So, I commend you on your healthy attitude towards personal space and out-of-the-box thinking. I am sure that will serve you well in all your travels and life experiences.

Cheers!

-Anthony

I was most struck by this passage:

“The best company in the world, I think, is sitting in an armchair reading, with a favourite person close-by – each of us doing our own thing – occasionally looking up to smile or share a passage. The welcome being of quiet company. Feeling someone around without words, indulging in the reverent dead air.”

Even an extrovert like me will admit that there are few joys in life more wonderful than simply being able to share in the presence of someone you care about — each of you lost in your own thoughts and own activities, but comforted by the remembrance that the other person is only a quick glance, a quick smile, a quick chuckle, or a quick warm and loving thought away.