Expectations and Wants

Herself, Beloved Husband, and Cherished Friend have been contemplating making arrangements for a camping trip without the Offspring.  While the Offspring are wonderful people, there are times when it is important to have some Time Away to have relaxation and conversation amongst just adults.

It has been suggested by a kind and well-intentioned acquaintance that rather than doing such a camping trip, Herself and Herself's Beloved Husband should go away for a weekend to a spa, or to a nearby city known for its art community.  It's almost a sort of obligation, a type of societal expectation:  thou shalt have a fancy shiny romantic weekend away with Beloved Husband in an art-laden or personal-service-oriented location.  

Herself understands that many people do enjoy spas and art museums. She does enjoy the occasional art museum, too. She also understands that many people would willingly spend their portion of recreational time doing such things. These are not, however, the activities that Herself -- or Beloved Husband -- wish to do. 

Herself's Beloved Husband is a very busy man. We all know this. He works extraordinarily hard. He does not spend as much time at home as he, the Offspring, or Herself would like.  His free time is extremely valuable, and should be spent in a way that maximizes his enjoyment and relaxation. What would he like to do, given the opportunity? Venture out into the desert and have target practice with the firearms. Go camping, hiking, or RVing. These are the kinds of things that Herself also enjoys, and that their Cherished Friend does, too - and their enjoyment is enhanced by one another's company. Thus, the plan for a camping trip together. 

As for Herself's time alone with Beloved Husband? Herself's wish is not, as might be assumed by acquaintances, to spend a weekend visiting a different city or staying in an upscale resort with Beloved Husband.  What Herself would like most of all, is to have a little bit of additional time with him on a daily basis.  That's quite ordinary, she knows - but the vast majority of life is made up of commonplace occasions. Those are the moments in which she would like to have his presence.

These things might not be what other people expect, but they are what she wants. Life is far too short, and time far too valuable, to waste it upon what others expect. And so, she promises herself that she shall follow the wants, not the expectations.