When Megan and I started the loooonnng process of searching for a home of our own, we both came to the table with a few "must-haves" that we wanted in a house or an apartment. She REALLY wanted a garage. While I was indifferent... I have to admit, I am SO glad I came to my senses on that one. She wanted a guest bedroom. Again, I was indifferent... most of our family and friends live fairly close to us and have places of their own? Who's gonna stay there? But, I agreed. My only must-have was that I HAD to have a "man cave." It was a place where I could finish up my graduate program. It was a vital place for me to recharge my batteries after a long day of whatever.
I moved in to the house first, living pretty much by myself for the first month. Even with the rest of the house fully furnished, I only used three spaces... the kitchen, the bedroom and my cave. It has everything I need. My computer set-up. Books. TV. Comfy spot to recline. I can use it to play PS4, binge-watch Netflix, knock out some papers for school, meet with classmates via "Zoom," or watch the seemingly countless lecture videos.
While the space is important and the stuff inside is important, it is what it represents that is the most important. It is a safe space, a comfortable space. A space for respite. I am so fortunate that Megan fully understands the need for that space. She knows what's going on when I go back to work on mountains of homework. She even understands when I come home from work and tell her, "I just need to go back to the cave for a bit to wind down." She nods, gives me a kiss and lets me do my thing. I've accomplished some pretty amazing things in this room. Homework. Beat up on some n00bs (lol) on Call of Duty. Most importantly, it's also the space where I FINALLY proposed to her. She said yes (duh.)
Who knows whether or not I will always have a space to call my man cave, but I sure do appreciate the one that I have right now.
