My husband is lured into laundromats by viewing the number of people in them. It might surprise you, as it has surprised me, that laundromats are everywhere and sometimes there are two next to each other. Peter treats these establishments like cafes or restaurants. If there are people in them you assume there is a good reason. I, on the other hand, reason an empty laundromat means there is a good chance of finding a spare washer or dryer. However he takes responsibility for the washing so that’s that. Not that I mind as washing is a natural separator, separation being something we need sometimes. He is occupied at the laundromat. I am elsewhere.
Walking is also a natural separator. He has a longer stride than me and I think a better cardio rate, so on walks I am often conversing with nature by myself. Books and T.V. also separate us as we have different tastes. We consciously uncouple using our headphones.
We do talk at times of course and Peter has so improved my education about the current rugby competition that we now come together to watch Super Pacific games. They are a good reason to go to the local hotel. It is nice to have a bit of company and a reason to bind us to the other patrons. However there was not much binding in the Coromandel pub one Friday night. The other patron and ourselves were unconsciously uncoupled when both T.V.s showing the game exploded before full time.
We were naturally separated from the final score but in an unnatural way.