My relationship with Jonathon seems to be in rut. I wonder why, after only 4 years, we seem to be in such a funk. I mean, after all, is it not called the 7 year itch? Then, I remember an interesting fact that most people don't know about us. A fact, which after stated most still don't fully understand. For the first 3 years of our relationship, we spent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week together. To fully understand the relevance of this fact, let me break it down.
In an average adult relationship, couple begin with the dating stage. During this stage (usually 3 to 6 months) couples will go, on average, on one date a week. Let's say that date, if they are lucky, lasts between 4-8 hours (So, stage 1 averaged 6 hours a week for 18 weeks is 6x18= 108 hours)
After this stage in a relationship, the couple begins to get more serious. They move in together. A move in this early, to some, would still be considered moving pretty fast. But, let's say this couple is madly in love. So, they are now living together. However, in most adult relationships, both people are working in this 2nd stage. So, now they see each other every night after work and spend most of their weekends together. So let's do the math backwards for this stage. There are 168 hours in a week. We will subtract 60 hours a week for work (factoring in differing schedules, commute and random overtime). Plus, we'll take out a girls night/boys night out once a week (8 hours) in this stage as well. (So, during stage 2 they spend 100 hours a week together).
Stage 2 could last till marriage. Let's say 2 years? After marriage, at least one person has to continue working so the 60 hours of work stays put. Perhaps, the alone time with their friends decreases. (So, during stage 3 they spend an average of 108 a week hours together)
Most couples don't spend 24/7 together, besides the occasional vacation, until they are retired. So, 30 years of Stage 3?? Anyway, let's see how we compare to an average couple on the 'fast track' Keep in mind, that today's generation probably moves even more slowly than my averages. Dating for years instead of months before moving in together and even longer before they get married and spend 'all' their time together.
On average Jonathon & I
1st year-3,108 hours Total 3,108 1st year-8,736 Total 8,736
2nd year-3,108 hours Total 6,216 2nd year-8,736 Total 17, 472
3rd year-4,800 hours Total 11,016 3rd year-8,736 Total 26, 208
4th year-4,800 hours Total 15,816 4th year-5,184 Total 31,392
5th year-5,184 hours Total 21,000
6th year-5,184 hours Total 26, 184
7th year-5,184 hours Total 31, 368
Moral of my story?? Jonathon and I have spent as many hours together in our 4 years as most people spend together in 7-10 years. So, maybe I need not worry as much about our rut and just pray no one scratches that 7 year itch because rumor has it that once past this storm, it's pretty easy sailing.
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