The other day I was starving (ok, not starving… but pretty darn hungry) when the kids went down for a nap. When I came back downstairs from tucking them in, I opened the fridge and it hit me. Like lightning… PB & J with a glass of chocolate milk. Yes!!!
Ok, it’s not gourmet. And it’s not even particularly healthy. I like peanut butter by itself, but when you pair it with jelly it’s simply delicious. Add some chocolate milk and you’re golden. At least I am. You can eat whatever you want.
As I was sitting at my kitchen table in blessed silence, contemplating the beauty of life, I got to thinking about how things combine and what it means when they pair off.
When my husband I first met, we were both already good people, but we each had our own struggles. I struggled with staying calm and he struggled with large social environments with many unknown factors. There was many a time when he had to calm me down in a stressful situation. And equal numbers of times that he “used” being with me to quietly assess the room to allow for comfortable socializing. Years later, I am significantly calmer and he is much more social. We’ve had a good impact on each other.
As a teacher, my professional life is defined by the combination of chemistries. I firmly believe that I am a good teacher, but not every student is going to like me. I’m loud, for one. And I’m in your face. Sure, it’s in the friendly way, but it’s still right there in your face. If you are trying to hide, my classroom may be your own personal hell. Not everyone likes to be taught by everyone.
The classroom experience is also impacted by the combination of temperaments of students, creating room chemistry. This chemistry can be wonderful or it can be disastrous. Throw in a dash of teacher personality and you have your final product. Let’s just hope it tastes good because it’s the recipe for the semester and it ain’t gonna change.
Recently, my husband and I decided to divide and conquer. It was between dinner and bedtime and we each had an errand we wanted to take off the “to do” list. I took my son to the supermarket and my husband took my daughter to home depot. My son was an ANGEL. Totally cooperative. Not a single moment of frustration. Really? I love my son dearly, but angelic is not the word I would use for him. Deliciously naughty. Sure. Angelic? Huh? He was just as angelic as my daughter had been, way back when… when I took her alone for Saturday mornings. Clearly, they are not the same apart as they are together, for better or worse.
I suppose it’s logical. When the situation doesn’t necessitate compromising, you are far less uncomfortable. It’s much easier. Not necessarily better, just easier.
Interesting… I’m going to remember that the next time I meet someone for the first time and it doesn’t go particularly well. Maybe I’ll change up some ingredients next time, see if it improves the mood.
You never can tell.
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