"Sometimes I wake up grumpy, other times I let him sleep"

Night owl. Early bird.

Memories.

Growth.

Flexibility.

Letting go.

I have always been intrigued with couples who have the opposite internal sleep clock and how they keep the physical and emotional intimacy alive; especially when balancing work, self care and family responsibilities. 

Brian was a night owl.

I am an early bird.

A cause of disharmony if not attended to.

At the beginning of our relationship, this discovery was a rude awakening - literally, especially for Brian. Most mornings I would wake up around 6:00 a.m with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning, "let's go out for breakfast! How about a workout or setting some goals?" ☺️Or all of the above?! (Over the years my morning enthusiasm has tempered).

My high energy approach to the beginning of the day and Brian's desire to share the quiet hours of late evening with me quickly revealed itself as a potential area of concern.

This sign brought humour to our situation and was the beginning of humorous pokes and discussions to find a way to embrace each others internal clock and make it a priority to find creative times and ways to connect.

When we became new parents it was a match made in parenting heaven. He did the 1:00 a.m feeding and I would do the 5:00 a.m feeding! (And we often all met mid afternoon for a nap 😊)

We quickly came to the realization that we were better partners (humans) to each other when our internal clocks were honoured and made it a priority to find our treasured times to connect.

I am letting go of a lot right now as Kenny and I prepare for our move and with mixed feelings I decided to let go of this plaque and simply keep a picture of it as I know having it in our new home will bring up more sadness and missing then joy when starting my day.......but it does warm my heart remembering the moments of humour and acceptance Brian and I found along the way.

Have you paired up with your opposite?

I would like to offer this..... in the big scheme of things this difference is small stuff when acknowledged and attended to. I would give anything to be able to crawl back into to bed and snuggle with Brian in the later hours of the morning. 🦋

Give your night owl or early bird a big cuddle and find your way to make your opposite internal clock work for your relationship.