In the dark.

After dating long distance for nearly a year, the Alex Dodd and I are only just beginning to discover our differences. So far, we haven't encountered any insurmountable problems, and our disagreements are usually amicably settled when he agrees that I'm correct, once again, just to placate me (or more accurately, because I am correct). But this past weeked, we finally came to a head on several key issues:


1) Whether to sleep with the blinds up or down.

Alex thinks that complete darkness is necessary to sleep and to combat insomnia. I think light streaming through my window in the morning helps me wake up and prepare me for another glorious day. He argues that northern Alberta's light confuses him, which I supposed is partially true. (This morning I woke up, thinking that I had slept through my alarm because it was so bright outside. But when I looked at my clock, it only read 4:23 a.m.) I argued that because of my nightmares, I don't like complete dark, because then when I wake up, I'm confused about where I am.

We determined that a compromise of some sort is necessary. I suggested he invest in one of those black satin eye covers. He told me this wasn't gonna happen. And if you ask me, that's not the spirit of compromise.

2) To nap or not to nap.

I hate napping.

During naptime in playschool, I'd gaze around at my classmates, happily sucking on their thumbs and drooling on their brightly coloured mats, only to wonder what the hell was wrong with them. At home, my Dad would try to get me to nap, and I'd pretend to sleep just to make him happy. I rarely even sleep on car rides. (Last summer in Australia, I had to take a hot, packed 15-hour night bus up the coast. Desperately needing rest, I swallowed some prescription sleeping pills to help me out, but I still couldn't fall asleep. Instead, the medication just drugged me up to the point where I couldn't move my limbs, but I was still fully concious.)

Even now, I don't nap. And when I do, I don't enjoy it. But Alex, the occassional insomniac, LOVES to nap, while I, also the occassional insomniac, recognize that sleeping during the day prevents sleep at night. On top of that, napping leaves me with dried-out contacts, fuzzy hair, a gross taste in my mouth, nightmares during the day and no real sense of rejuvination. Worst of all, sleeping in the middle of the day is a waste of time. Why sleep when you can be awake enjoying the day?

So why is this is a problem? Because Alex keeps trying to make me nap with him. He tries to trick me into it by telling me he just wants to cuddle, but I'm not that easily fooled. It's not going to happen, friend.

3) Movie time lighting.

Although I'll admit this is a little odd, I never watch movies at home with the lights off. It's mainly because I find it really hard on the eyes. (Exception: I prefer to watch movies with subtitles with the lights off.) Alex never watches movies at home with the lights on. We usually compromise and use the dimmer switch. This also becomes a problem when we're eating--I would never dream of eating in the dark because I like to see my food. Alex, however, could happily make and consume a 4-course meal with nothing more than the glow of a stove's burners.

Want to help us settle the argument? And got any suggestions for compromises?