In the Cave:
Ok, so what exactly is a “Man Cave”? Simply put, it’s a place for a guy to be alone, indulge in hobbies, and/or hang out with guy friends without fear of upsetting the special people in our lives. Hey guys, some psychiatrists say it’s important for a man to have a place to retreat, and provide refuge from stressful surroundings, and man caves are said to be beneficial to relationships! How can we lose with that kind of endorsement?
I’m lucky. I have got a GREAT man cave and get to go there for alone time, hobbies, and especially NFL Football which I love. (Even Jessi has gotten into Fantasy Football with me, one of my favorite hobbies.) My Man Cave is a guest house/office with a big screen HD TV, surround sound, fiber internet and a full kitchen! I have to admit I needed help setting up the internet, and my wife was asking me what is fiber internet for anyway, but she seemed happy to know that it would allow me to connect to my online games, which she’d prefer I play by myself. It’s pretty sweet. And not that it’s ever happened in almost 20 years of marriage…but if it did, I think it could serve as a really acceptable “dog house”. 😉
People who work from home typically need a place like this more than most. When it comes to where this is, it could be anywhere from a spare room, to a garage or shed, to the basement (once perhaps someone like these basement waterproofing services have been in to make sure that the room is going to be structurally sound with all this extra usage). People often use these areas to have a dedicated workspace where they can concentrate without being disturbed. However, for people who don’t have office furniture in their house just because they have been working from the office for a long time, maybe companies like – office monster can help. Additionally, as it will be your room to focus and spend some time alone, you can decorate it in any way you choose.
Anyway, I appreciate the time that I get to spend out there when I feel like it, and I can also appreciate being able to retreat when my wife needs some of her own time too. Consequently, I go out of my way fairly often to plan something special for her. It’s not always about spending money on gifts, but more so about spending some time thinking of something thoughtful and easy to do. That’s what brings us to “Out of the Cave”.
Out of the Cave:
I’ve found over the years that the appreciation level of any present or thoughtful action is not so much the size of the gift or treat, but the THOUGHT that went into it. As an example, it was really obvious not too long ago that Brenda needed a break. She’d been running around all week and kind of burning the candle at both ends so to speak. We are fortunate enough to have a backyard that we really enjoy, and that my sister in law refers to as “Puerto Backyarda.” So, when we want to pretend we’re on vacation…this is our destination of choice. Our friends Brian and Tania were here, and this note was on the door when the girls got home from a late morning walk around the neighborhood and I even included margaritas waiting for them.
It took me all of 5 minutes to type the note, and Brian and I had fun with the girls being “cabana boys” after they sat in the Jacuzzi and relaxed. Drinks and snacks in the “backyarda” plus Brian and I made a really nice and easy Mexican dinner, using food we already had in the house. Simple, not a ton of work, didn’t cost us any extra money, and the girls LOVED it. I think I may have even scored a “get out of jail free card” with this one. But the bottom line is, it just took some thought, no expense, and my wife had a nice relaxing afternoon with her friend that she really enjoyed and appreciated. Brian and I even had fun too.
So there you go! My first Man Cave post. Can’t wait to share a few more ideas next time around! Do you have a special retreat or Man Cave? What are some things you like to do to make the ladies in your life feel special?
– Chris
