hesdeadjim001's Journal: Houseguests, routines, and "The three-day rule."

I have my apartment back! My guest left about ten minutes ago and can't tell you how great it feels to have my space again.

He was a good houseguest. Made up the sofabed, kept things neatly in place. Did his own thing while I was at work. Had an unfortunate bout of a stomach flu on Saturday and slept, literally, all day. That was a bummer, since I felt trapped here while he slept. What if he needed something urgently? What if I had to take him to the hospital? He lives in London and does not know his way around here.

I don't mind a guest for a few days, but six days pushes my limits, especially when 1) We barely know each other; and 2) there is no romantic involvement.

I wake up early in the am to go to work. I sleep until the last possible moment and have a well-choreographed routine so that I get to work on time.

Getting dressed in my small studio apartment with a male guest here is a challenge. I found myself crowded in the bathroom or in my closet, doffing and donning clothes. Without fail, he would awaken exactly when I did, needing the bathroom or something else that would break my routine. Frustrating. And it threw off my days. I forgot things I needed for work. Misplaced things I use all the time.

Now, the guy is a good guy. He did nothing wrong. Except maybe show me how much I rely on my routine and my space. Maybe he made me question whether I am able to live with someone at all?

Routine.

[UseTheSource]

Kinda reminds me about my home life and living arrangements. It's both a blessing and a curse being in a relationship with, and living with, someone who works an opposite shift. On the one hand, we get our space, and our routines don't conflict. Granted, I usually shave and get ready in the other bathroom, but with only one full bath in our house, there would still be some contention over the shower. On the other, it's really tough trying to find time to be together. Sometimes I'll forget that I never