I’m curious, how do “- I married an artist who’s a private person who keeps me from burning out (He mentioned that alone he might tend to invite everyone to their home at all times, and she helps maintain some important personal space for their family)” and “Community living” fit together? Was he talking about living in the same house or close proximity to other people? That tends to limit personal space and alone-time.

I found that when I lived alone, I had a higher need for alone-time than when I lived with other people. Maybe availability of a place to be alone created that need, or at least increased it? Living with other people has had so many benefits, not the least of which is improving my cooking skills because although I love cooking, I dislike doing it for just myself. If there’s someone around for me to offer food to, I’ll cook like crazy and have a great time.

Another thing that’s been valuable is being around people younger than me. They look to me as the wise adult, who’s still young enough to be cool. (I turn 25 on Saturday.) So, this makes me more mindful of the things I say and do, and I hear myself saying things like, “Listen to your parents. Really, they care about you, and they tell you to come home straight after school because they want you to be safe. If you waited around and came home in the dark, there would be more risks.” I remember when I was the same age as these kids, it didn’t matter how many times my parents told me something until someone I considered to be “cool” told me the exact same thing, and then I listened.

Which brings up this issue: How does one effectively encourage people to listen to those who are not considered “cool”?

I’m going to write a longer description of the event for by blog on the Mennonite and I’ll post a link here.