In the tv series The Big Bang Theory, physicist Dr. Sheldon Cooper is very precise about where he sits. When asked why he chose his particular spot on the couch, he explains:
"This seat is ideally located both in relation to the heat source in the winter and a cross breeze in the summer. It faces the television at an angle that is neither direct so that it would discourage conversations nor at an angle that would causes a parallax distortion".
In fact, having claimed it, Sheldon is so possessive of his spot that no one is allowed to sit there, even when he's gone.
While most of us are not quite as tenacious as Sheldon in always needing to sit in the same place, it's not unusual to have a favorite spot on the sofa, a favorite side of the bed, a favorite chair in the kitchen or dining room. Without even thinking about it, that's where we end up.
To freshen the energy in your home, consider an experiment that, if nothing else, will make you a little more concious of the tiny moments in your life. For a few days this week, make an effort to change your habits. Sit in a different chair, sleep on the other side of the bed, try out some of the things you bought for guests. If you have a guest room or even a guest mattress or a couch you offer overnight guests, try them out. You may discover, like Joanna Goddard from Cup of Jo did when she and her husband slept in their guest room one night, that things are not as welcoming as they seem. In Joanna's case, she was astounded to learn how noisy it was, and she purchased a white noise machine to cover up some of the more annoying sounds. Lumpy chairs may need a pillow, a throw or new upholstery to make them more comfortable. A spot in the breakfast nook may look out over the trash area. The other side of the bed may be drafty. Guest blankets may be itchy.
Or, if you're lucky, your home will be comfortable from every angle. And you can chalk up these few days as an exercise in mindfulness.
(Image: The Big Bang Theory/CBS. The show can be seen at 8pm on Thursdays on Channel 2.)
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Sit on the other end of the couch? Are you crazy?!? I'm not ready for those kinds of risks.
I'm pretty Sheldon when it comes to habits, although I like switching up where I sit. I wish I had his eidetic memory though, so I could correct the pizza guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Lq_rQi_qM
While this doesn't apply to where I sit in my living room, I do find that I always have to sleep on the side of the bed that is closest to the window.
I get the chaise section of the sofa because I need to stretch my legs out with my feet elevated as much as I can for orthopedic reasons. I have tried every chair in the house, though, and none are UN-comfortable. I just have my special seat for specific (perhaps Sheldonish) reasons. (I do allow others to sit there if they plunk down, but I secretly slightly resent it!) ;^)
I also like to claim the chaise section of our couch, so that I can stretch my feet. I actually get a bit cranky on the inside when a certain guest comes over and takes over that spot.
I've tried sleeping on the other side of the bed, but just end up waking up much more.
So, have my spot if you want, but please when I'm around, move over.
I have been forcing myself to sit on the other side of my sofa because I started to notice that it was wearing unevenly. Yes, I have OCD. =)
Sheldon's REAL answer is, "Because it's my space." What more does the questioner need.
Even though I live alone, and it's all my space, I do tend to sit in the same place on the couch, lie on my bed the same way, and so forth.
Everyone's a little bit Sheldon. Be proud.
I actually like sleeping on the other side of the bed once in a while. I find I sleep quite well there.
My sleeping buddy and I have our regular sides of the bed at home, and the other side at the codige. We don't know why. The silverware is also sorted differently between the two houses.
I hope not at all - that is the worst show on TV.
Sheldon gets the last word http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd2_0K37EtM
I'm don't consider myself Sheldonesque at all yet these are great suggestions, causing me to self-reflect! Defo, only one spot on the couch will do!
That's great, Emmi! Thanks, I don't remember hearing Shelly dress down the pizza guy!
My favorite tv viewing spot is on the right corner of my couch (thanks to my apartment layout, it just happens to be the center viewing spot). All lighting and sound revolve around this spot, which I place in a state of Eternal Dibs. Subject to change if she wants to sit there.
My favorite reading spot is in the proverbial Poang chair and footrest in the corner by the window. I can still listen to my stereo, get cool breezes from the window, relax with a good book, candles and chai latte. But only occasionally. My cats, Moose and Siska have placed my corner reading chair in a state of Eternal Dibs.
Ever wonder how a pair of geeky nerds have managed to appoint their living space so, well, nicely? I can imagine that Sheldon got the old library card catalog to suit his organizational needs/mania, but all the other stuff that just fits well? Maybe Leonard, being the everyman (well, in this group anyway), has a good eye for design.
Oh, definitely Leonard. Before Leonard, Sheldon had two lawn chairs and a cable spool subbing as a table. Leonard brought in the leather couch.
Although one of Sheldon's lawn chairs was already in his spot, I think.
I'm such a Sheldon I have my chosen places (respected/tolerated by all) in OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUUSES. How scary is that?
People's sitting and sleeping habits can be pretty strong. As single people, both my husband and I preferred the right-hand side of any bed for sleeping. When we married we made a deal that if I gave up "my" side of the bed, he had to give up his habit of sleeping with his arms on the top of the covers (which made suggling difficult). Such a small thing, but it took us both years to adjust to the new sleeping configuration. :)
Bahahaha. Some of the com enters may be more interesting to watch than Dr. Cooper... ;) I walk close to the walls in the hallway to evenly wear down the carpet... uhhhhh yeah whatever shut up
SophieTO I'm glad to hear someone else besides me also dislikes Big Bang Theory.
I sit square center (every time) on my futon in my back room, and I have a spot on my reading chair in the living room. How Sheldon is that?