Menu Lifestyle
By Emily Harper
Updated: Aug. 10, 2023
Originally Published: April 9, 2017
Have you ever returned home to discover that your spouse has taken it upon themselves to construct an elaborate treehouse while you were out getting your hair done? I have.
There have been times when I returned to find my partner, Jake, enthusiastically learning to play the ukulele or placing a bid on a vintage VW van he wanted to transform into a camper, despite lacking any car knowledge. On one occasion, I had to intervene when he attempted to make paint for our kids from some spiky red plants we found during a hike. After researching the plants, I discovered they could cause hallucinations if ingested. That would have made for an unforgettable Saturday afternoon, for sure.
Keeping pace with Jake’s imaginative mind is a challenge. He has an insatiable desire for new and engaging projects to fuel his happiness. From chopping down trees to create handcrafted furniture, to brining his own corned beef, to refurbishing bicycles, and even crafting a coat rack from doorknobs and sheet metal—he wants to do it all. He’s self-taught in photography, car brake repairs, and can create art from nearly anything, including, I suppose, those toxic plants. The list goes on and on.
One day, he’s eager to learn the art of ski-making; the next, he’s diving into meditation or perfecting the craft of enchiladas. Watching him is enough to wear me out.
Most days, I wish I could harness a fraction of his enthusiasm. I’ve never been as thrilled about anything as he was when he figured out how to reduce our dishwasher’s noise by 10 decibels using some old wool sweaters. And yes, he measured the decibels (but please, don’t ask me how). Some days, all I want is for him to just relax a bit.
His boundless curiosity is amazing but can also be draining. Imagine going on a road trip with him! He questions everything—every historic building, every geological formation, and I never have the answers. He can’t even sit through a movie without squirming, while I cherish those moments of stillness.
Of course, his creative nature leaves little room for mundane tasks like organizing laundry or remembering where he put things. He believes that if something goes into a drawer, it’s lost forever. As a result, he insists on keeping everything visible, which contrasts sharply with my love for tidiness. It often leaves me as the sole keeper of our household’s organization.
After years together, we’ve learned to balance his creative energy with my need for order. He stays busy crafting, while I manage to tuck away his belongings where they won’t be visible. We’ve embraced each other’s quirks, which is essentially what marriage is about.
One thing is for certain—life with Jake will never be dull, filled with songs, art, and new skills to explore. So, if you’re also married to a wonderfully creative soul, you’re not alone. And if anyone wants to join me for a movie night to just sit and enjoy some quiet time, count me in.
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Summary
Being married to a wonderfully creative person can be both exhilarating and exhausting. While their endless enthusiasm for new projects and ideas can be inspiring, it also poses challenges in everyday life. Striking a balance between creativity and organization is key to a harmonious relationship. Ultimately, life will never be boring with such a partner, and embracing each other’s unique traits is what makes a marriage thrive.