A Lighter View
Dueling thermostats
By K.E.H. Stagg

Feburary 18, 2016

There's a proven law of thermodynamics that any couple living under the same roof can't possibly be comfortable at the same ambient temperature.  My husband and I are no exception to this universal rule. My body temperature has been set - since childhood - at a few degrees shy of spontaneous combustion. My husband, on the other hand, subscribes to the theory that "more is better" when it comes to temperature and blankets.

If I'm snuggled under an eiderdown watching the latest BBC costume drama, I see no reason to start a roaring fire in the same room. By the same token, when the living room thermostat is set at (or above) 70, it makes no sense to throw a bear rug on the bed, even if it is the fake kind without a creepy, snarling head full of sharp teeth.

While I abhor cold, only slightly less detestable is waking in the middle of the night oozing sweat from every pore.  Once that occurs, it's next to impossible to get the body's temperature regulated. Sweat leads to bone-jarring shivers, which requires a hot shower, change of attire and piling on of blankets to combat. And that starts the whole hideous cycle all over again.

I readily admit to "cinder block" feet that should probably remain on my side of the bed, but I accept no responsibility for what my feet do when sleep takes over. I also concede that my internal combustion engine has elicited cries of discomfort ever since my sisters and I slept over at Grandma's house decades ago. But I have an easy cure for these - and related - complaints:  remove a couple of blankets to begin with, and we all sleep warm and cozy.

Countless other couples are conducting the exact same "discussion" in their homes, with the skirmish going first to one combatant, then the other. This is one war nobody ever wins!in. No fancy attire required for that!