The Ernie and Burt of My Relationship

The Ernie and Burt of My Relationship
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck / Unsplash

It is Valentines' holiday time I had a thought about my relationship. A Ying Yang insight simplifies all our relationship interactions into two supporting types: Ernies and Burts. I can imagine having an Ernie Puppet on the one hand and a Burt on the other hand.   Depending on the situation, one or the other would speak for me. I am most offten cast as an Ernie. I confess I am a cut-up with plans and ideas that buck reality. However, there are plenty of times I am a Burt, fierce, and responsible for orderly sock and tee shirt drawers. We all have a bit of both Ernie and Burt in our relationship interactions. I feel like it's great to be able to express both. I think it is healthy for both of us to trade Bert and Ernie rolls with our spouse as often as is needed. However, we should avoid doubling down on one or the other. Who wants to see two Berts or two Ernies? That is just not right.

What am I reading?

History of Britain Volume 1 | Simon Schama

I do not know how far I will get with this one. I like that Simon Schama takes a granular approach to explain history about us to us. Who are we as a nation or people? I am not specifically English, but my ancestors hail from there. History is not all about countries and dynasties. He says history and identity can be broken down as far as families and villages. This detailed look at history is evidenced by the fact he has to have more than one volume. He discounts broad historical pronouncement as to who ruled when. He describes a village with stone houses whose interiors are laid out in a manner we would recognize today.
From neolithic history to Ikea, as it were. These people would not have identified as English, British, or European. They are just good folks who happened be reside in a local we now tag as all three.

Here is how I relate.

I spend a lot of effort breaking down my tasks and issues to a granular level. But, as with history, there is just too much to think about in a day if you don't take it in small bites.