The fun of enjoying loneliness at home
LIVING ALONE AT HOME SUITS A PERSON LIKE ME WHO LOVES TALKING TO HIMSELF IN AN ENVIRONMENT FREE FROM THE HULLABALOO OF CHILDREN AND DEMANDS OF YOUR WIFE
Whenever my wife is away with children during holidays to visit her parents, it’s time to enjoy loneliness for me, though for a short period. Like many, I do not feel alone at home in her absence but try to use the much-awaited moments, which usually come after several months, for fun and creative writing. I do not worry about household works such as cooking, washing clothes and cleaning the house. In fact, I long for such peaceful moments.
Living alone at home suits a person like me who loves talking to himself in an environment free from the hullabaloo of children and demands of your wife. It’s the time you can do anything of your choice. You can sleep and get up any time. There is no one to dictate you. There is no one to teach you dos and don’ts. There is no one to order you to go to the market, handing you a long list of household items. It’s the time when you don’t need to get up early to wake up children, make them ready for school and do the drop-andpick job. It’s like when your boss is away from office for some days and you feel relieved and comfortable.
A few days ago when my wife announced her intention to visit her parents, it came as comforting news for me, but I tried not to express my joy. She said: “I have read your face expression that you are happy in my absence. Don’t worry, this time I will return soon.” I was thinking even a week’s happiness is enough for me after a long year. After such announcements, which sometimes come surprisingly, I wait eagerly for the big day and when she is gone, a different kind of relief runs through the veins. I pick up books brought to be read in free time with no internal and outside disturbance. The idiot box is also free as children don’t remain glued to television and you don’t need to plead with them for your favourite programmes.
On the kitchen front, I am ready to play the role of a house lady. Instead of routine dishes, I relish my favourite dish which is otherwise not allowed when my wife is around. When the day of her return comes nearer, an uneasy feeling surrounds me. I stare at the end of time full of freedom, fun and peace and hope for the early arrival of the unique time. It’s not that she is not aware of queer nature of mine. She often says in light mood that you have inherited this nature from your father. He too loves loneliness as he has been out of home most of the time due to job requirements, so you are not to be blamed for this behaviour. This satisfies me that at least she is justifying my desire for living alone for some time.