Glad to see the back of him

In theory having your husband home is a great thing. Another pair of hands to help. Another pair of eyes to watch. Someone to talk to.

In reality, it's another person making mess. It's someone who watches TV while I prefer the radio. It's someone who is relaxing while you're pottering around.

Having Hubby home over the festive break was lovely at first. Walks, lunches, all very romantic and he is generally helpful. But as he goes back to work today it is with a sign of relief not just from me but also him.

Mini Me's routine is all out of whack, though I've learnt she is exceptionally adaptable. I'm tense and tired from arguing with Hubby about what he is and isn't doing. I'm tired of being jealous as he goes off for a ride, or out with the boys. He's tired from me nagging and telling him off.

I'm just glad to see the back of him and have me time again. I didn't realise how much I cherish some quiet time.

This is sounding all very negative. But I'm getting to the good stuff.

What this has made me realise is sometimes it is just easier to have one person in charge of something, rather than two. I'm head of the domestic world; he's head of the outdoor area. I'm the boss of Mini Me and Frankie; he's the boss of our finances. By dividing we're conquering. We have intimate knowledge of our specific task, with general knowledge of the other person's area. There is consistency and things are done the way we like it to be done.

This doesn't mean Hubby can't pull out a vacuum cleaner, but it's more abut me and my approach to him.

Based on this I need to remember to ask him to do things, not expect him to. I wouldn't do it to people at work, so why should this be different. I need to remember to be grateful and patient. He is trying but yelling at him isn't going to get it done better or faster. I need to make the most of time with him and to listen when he talks, not zone out.

So while this little experiment was nice, see ya later buddy. Get back to the office and bring home the bacon. I'll have the fry pan ready to cook it.
I wonder, what's it like in your home? Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts.