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December 22, 2005
The 3-Day Rule
I developed a 3-Day Rule for visiting family about 10 years ago. I believe this rule has kept me close to my own family throughout the years. I love them very much. We have a wonderful relationship. Three days together provides enough quality time, yet does not overdo it, so we get on each other's nerves. It seems to benefit everyone. It makes us appreciate the short amount of time we do spend together.
Before my 3-Day Rule, I noticed bickering and/or boredom would usually set in by the end of the third day. By day 4, my mom would start planning viewing sessions for her friends or other family members to see me. I felt like an animal at a zoo, a very angry animal with dementia and OCD.
The 3-Day Rule also makes life a lot easier on your spouse/partner/wife/whatever (should this apply to you). Usually by the third day, they are bored and cranky (and horny). This is completely understandable no matter how cool the in-laws are. Plus, after 3 days of living in the straight world, we are ready to go back to our big gay world. (If you are straight, imagine spending more than 3 days with all gay people and you should get the picture).
Anyway, Rob booked a 5-day trip to visit his family without consulting me. He has a great family. They are lovely and friendly and gracious. But, obviously, he broke the 3-Day Rule. There will be consequences for breaking this rule. I have decided to reinact the first sex scene from Brokeback Mountain as payback. Only I won't be using as much spit as Heath used. And Rob won't be able to ride that cute little pony he asked his parents to get him for Christmas for quite a few days. Merry Christmas!
I'm sure we will have a swell time regardless but this rule must never be broken again. Apply it to your own mandatory family visits and see if it works for you. I bet it will. That is your Dr. Durban tip for the day. You're welcome.
Posted by durban bud at December 22, 2005 03:03 PM
Comments
I'm on day 2 of 5 myself... But I am just with my own family... I have declared tomorrow to be a "free day" so I can explore and sightsee (re: go to the Castro and be among my people) as well as find all the nice leather stores :-)
You need to get a cell phone! Been trying to call you!
Try to have fun and be cool errr be lukewarm since it's cold out. Wish you were here - it is 65 (overcast) but 65!
Posted by: TOS at December 23, 2005 09:45 PM
3 days?!? Ugh! I would hang myself if I had to spend 3 whole days with either of our families! Sure, we also have a 3 day rule for both families. They get 1-1/2 days each, if they're lucky! ;-)
Posted by: Bubala at December 24, 2005 09:52 AM
you are right. three days is perfect. i have been using it for years.
Posted by: Mark at October 11, 2007 11:16 PM