Okay, so I am completely miserable right now. What is it about having a cold that makes you want to scream? I’m trying to keep my misery in perspective considering many people would gladly trade their illness for a common cold. Another triple sneeze, another glob of hand sanitizer, and away I write….
It’s going on 9pm and Eric is working late, so no one is here to listen to my moans and groans. Therefore, it sounds like a good time to write! I should be able to write at least a paragraph in between tissue breaks.
Eric is preparing for a business trip in a few days, so we are trying to keep him from getting sick. Maybe that’s why he’s working late tonight. ~smile~ I have been taking home remedies, over-the-counter drugs, staying hydrated, and sleeping as much as possible. Lysol has become my temporary best friend, and for the time being, I’m practically quarantined.
When you were a sick kid, your parents probably snuggled and cuddled you more than they did other sick people (I guess that was a “well duh” statement). Then, you grew up and realized that the rest of the world wants to stay away from you when you’re coughing, sneezing, and going through boxes of tissues. When you get married, your spouse may snuggle with you when you are sick, but chances are he or she will want to keep a good distance. This is understandable, but there are ways to connect even when you’re locked away with warm liquids and tissues.
Utilize Technology
As weird as it may seem, especially when you are married and living in the same house, FaceTime, Skype, or Google Hangouts are great alternatives to breathing each other’s air. There is a family meeting on the schedule for this evening, and I fully expect Eric to be in one room while I’m in my den of germs (which I’m currently airing out).
Technology does help us stay in contact with people when we are far away from them, but it also gives us a way to spend time with our sweetie while we attempt to keep him or her healthy. Being sick can be lonely, especially when you are going out of your way to keep your germs from others. A little one-on-one time via the internet is a nice alternative to combat the isolation.
Take Care of His or Her Needs
Last night, Eric picked up dinner – and tonight, he is planning to do the same. Additionally, he is stopping by Kroger to pick up more honey and lemons so I can make more lemon, honey, garlic tea. It sounds terrible, but it’s not half-bad! Just going out and picking up items your sweetie needs is a huge blessing. It speaks volumes about your feelings for him or her. A selfish person might find a way to wiggle out of such tasks, but a sacrificially loving person takes care of his or her loved ones even when they can do nothing in return.
Not only is it a major blessing when you meet your sweetie’s needs during a time of illness, but it is an even greater blessing when you do it with a good attitude. If I asked Eric to pick something up for me and he sighed an aggravated sigh, it would make me feel like a huge burden to him. However, a “Sure thing, Honey. I’m happy to help out when you’re not feeling well” makes me feel loved and emotionally cuddled. ~smile~
Get Creative
No, you can’t give extended hugs, kiss, and snuggle with your sweetie when he or she is sick (unless you want to risk getting sick), but you can find creative ways to connect. You can write love notes, or make a special “get well card” and drop it under his or her door. You can do chores around the house. You can e-mail him or her silly pictures with “I miss you” notes attached. The sky is the limit. Gifts are also great ideas. What does your sweetie like? Is there a special tea, movie, stuffed animal, or other thoughtful item you could bring home for him or her? One time, Eric put one of his t-shirts on a teddy bear and I was able to “snuggle with him” when he was gone. ~smile~
Hopefully this yuckiness will leave my body soon and not enter his. In the meantime, he and I will have to continue to find creative ways to connect. But let me tell you, as soon as I’m well, he’s getting some major bear hugs! ~smile~
How have you connected with your sweetie, friends, or family during times of sickness?