Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Reluctant Husbands

[NLROOS (NLROOS]

In a message dated 11/12/98 6:44:13 AM Pacific Standard Time,
SharonVillines [at] prodigy.net writes:

<< We could fill our membership if we could convince all the reluctant
husbands
 out there that Cohousing was good for them too. We are particularly
 interested in having more families but "my husband just won't" is the
 frequent response.
  >>
Hi Cohousers,

We don't have that problem (yet)? At our last meeting the males were once
again in the majority.  I don't have an answer for you, but my husband fell
head over heels for the promise of a workshop far beyond what he could have at
home. And if there would be other people for me to hang out with, and
playmates and room to safely roam for the kids, well, then he might actually
get to spend some time in that workshop......
Ofcourse not all husbands are woodworkers, but you can substitute any other
amenity in the above scenario. In general, Cohousing will allow spouses to
pursue their individual interests more, without feeling as if they are 'taking
time away from the other person . With the availability of family time within
the home, and in joint community happenings such as common meals etc., I see
this opportunity to do some things separately as enriching in a couple's  or
family's life together,  and not as detracting. Again, it is a balance that is
not easily found in conventional housing arrangements.  Just my thoughts, I
hope to see more replies to your interesting question.

Blessed be,
Rose Banks
nlroos [at] aol.com
East Tennessee Cohousing Community, where we finally decided on a location for
our future neighborhood!