Last night my daughter in law called to ask if she could breeze through on her way to an event in New Jersey. What a gift to see her even if it is only for one night. Today I had to hustle to herd the shoes back to their proper basket, and capture dishes from unlikely horizontal surfaces. I dragged out the vacuum and swooshed around a few floors, and even mopped the kitchen. I did it as a way of welcoming someone I love, but it was not to impress her. It was to say we are glad you are here. 

 

The side effect last fall was that the house was less cluttered for resident Odhners the other 24 days a month. I liked that. Which is why I was glad to have a reason to push myself today. When Amy is gone tomorrow, the house will still be pleasant. 

 

When couples make a point to work on their marriages, in a group or in a mentoring setting, they clean up their act. Folks freshen up their conversations, and take out the trashy comments. This is perhaps to look presentable with other people whose opinions carry weight.

 

But the upshot is, when the friends go away, the habits get traction and you get to live in a nicer relationship. 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Andy Sullivan

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