The Slice: Don’t let camping ruin a good thing

I once wrote a feature story about the first year of marriage.

And I still remember something a couples’ counselor said. She noted that, in feverish dating relationships, it’s relatively easy to show interest in your romantic partner’s hobbies and favorite recreational pursuits, et cetera. You might even find yourself scooting your own leisure preferences to a back burner.

Sure. Just think about it. You’re all excited about the new relationship. Compromising over how the two of you spend free time can seem giddy and effortless.

But then comes the first year of marriage. Old Man Reality knocks on the door.

It’s not unheard of for a freshly minted spouse to wake up one weekend morning and declare, “You know, I guess I never really made this clear, but I hate camping.”

Anyway, I’ve wondered if there might be a parallel dynamic for newcomers to the Spokane area. Let’s face it. Transplants arrive here and are bombarded with “Near Nature,” “The Lake” and what have you.

So perhaps even someone who hadn’t ever really been into outdoor recreation would almost feel compelled to adopt a Rich Landers lifestyle.

And then, after a while, well, you know.

Of course, it might turn out that the newcomers discover they love hiking and boating.

I’m just saying. There’s no guarantee. Some people prefer books and movies.

OK, I know what you’re thinking. You want to argue that people move here because of the mountains and water sports. Well, sure. That’s true in some cases. No question.

But a lot of newcomers wind up in and around Spokane as a result of family or career considerations. They didn’t just haul out a big map and throw a dart at likely kayaking/backpacking country.

All right, sometimes this might be one of those chicken-or-the-egg things.

Still, it seems certain that at least a few newcomers try on an outdoorsy lifestyle and then eventually realize it’s not a perfect fit.

That doesn’t mean they have to then turn their backs on Spokane, however.

There are lots of choices about how to spend your time here. Finding out that you don’t like camping is no reason to get a divorce.

“Take Our Columnist To Work Days: Noting that she thinks I have a pretty cushy job, North Idaho schoolteacher Carol Nelson suggested I institute a one-man job-swap program, to find out what real work is like.

Well, I’m not sure having other people produce my column is a great idea. For one thing, I’ve just gotten my multilever chair set the way I like it.

But if you would be interested in having me spend an hour or so with you at your workplace, let me know.

“Today’s Slice question: Do you pet your neighbors’ animals?