About ten years ago a friend came to try on some dresses of mine to wear to a wedding. A few of them looked GREAT on her. She ended up not borrowing any of them and when I asked her why, adding how good they looked on her, she explained that she prefers not to attract attention to herself. She dresses nicely but, in fact, once I considered it, with much fewer colors and “fashionable” new thingamagiggies on her clothes than some of my clothes.

An eye opener for me. I’d always just assumed that every woman tried to make herself as attractive as possible, within her particular social group’s unspoken rules. Not so, it seems.

This year another friend, noticing some highlights I’d put in my hair, said she, too, had put highlights in her hair for one of her kids’ weddings, having been persuaded by her hair stylist, but was happy when they grew out. I asked innocently, “Didn’t they look good?” She answered that, well, yes, she’d gotten quite a few compliments but she prefers for her hair to look “okay” and not attract compliments.

A re-enforcing “ah-ha” moment. Sooo, here it was again. That difference in basic behavior from what I (no longer by this time) assumed to be generalized to the population of women.

All this to say that when my husband and I began to talk about our upcoming 6-week travel adventure to South America and New York City, I was less surprised to learn that the idea of 6 weeks both away from home and routine AND with my husband, was an adventure whose positive effect on one’s life was not necessarily generalized to the population of couples.

Men who work with Gershon expressed surprise, “What?!? SIX WEEKS with ONLY your wife? Why would you want to do such a thing?”

Women were also quite vocal in telling me that the heat and humidity of the Amazonian jungle (not to mention the mosquitoes, leeches and occasional lack of hot water), the cold of the Patagonian glaciers and, yes, being with ONLY my mate for six weeks was of dubious enjoyment in their minds. (putting it mildly!) One friend went so far as to ponder aloud whether we would be speaking to each other when we returned.

Once upon a time I’d thought that the excitement and adventure of experiencing different cultures and seeing the beauty of God’s wonders was something everyone dreams of. But, this particular trip being the sixth or seventh Gershon and I have taken, I long ago learned that leaving one’s daily comfort zone is not something many people take lightly. The personal discomfort and anxiety level being too high a price for all that excitement and adventure.

One friend put it well when he said that he preferred to see the glory of foreign flora and fauna from the comfort of his living room – the National Geographic tv station is just fine for him and there are always DVDs.

Okay, here’s a news flash – Being with “only” my husband for six weeks is a bit of a challenge sometimes.

But it’s not because of my companion being my husband.

There probably isn’t anyone I’d rather travel with. I can only wish for everyone a partner who is as mellow, go-with-the-flow, enthusiastic, considerate and happy-to-be-on-the-road as my husband.

Nope, the only reason it’s a challenge for me is because of ME!

I have a hard time being with ANYONE 24/7.  I’m happy as a clam having a few hours, minimum, of private time, all to myself, every single day. So six weeks of 24/7 with anyone requires planned “alone time” and some deep, meditative breathing from time to time.

Probably the secrets to traveling for a long time with one’s partner are the same secrets which hold the key for long-time relationships in general and, ultimately, all relationships, including with oneself.

• Non-violence – don’t aggressively try to dominate and control, yourself or others
• Truth – be honest about and respect who you (and others)  are
• Don’t steal – don’t take away from one place to compensate another – physically, emotionally or interpersonally
• Don’t envy – don’t compare yourself or others to an ideal or to fellow travelers
• Moderation and renunciation –  try to do, say and experience everything in proportion

“Hmmm…sounds suspiciously like the “yamas” of yoga”, she said blushingly.

Oh! That’s another secret of retaining my enjoyment (and composure). Taking time out for yoga and meditation practice brings a little bit of home, comfort zone and gratitude with me wherever I go.

Because, after all, wherever you go, there you are. Ommmmmmm…

 p.s. I got complaints about the writing style of “Addictive Behaviors” – “too heavy”; “not like you”; “didn’t get a chance to read it”

 So here’s a lighter, more like me, opportunity to read, blog. Happy Spring everyone!