Are you guilty of turning the thermostat up or down when your partner isn’t looking? Don’t be ashamed, lots of us are guilty of this apartment/relationship sin. And the deception is sure to increase as winter approaches.
Much like men are from Mars and women are from Venus, it’s been said that men are always hot while the ladies tend to be cold. But how does this gender disparity bode for the living quarters when both disagree on the temperature?
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Adjusting the thermostat every hour is the last thing you want to do. Trust us – that heating bill will skyrocket! Some might even suggest separate beds or separate rooms – gasp! So, what can the two of you do to remain comfortable and warm (or cool) this season?
- If your budget allows, invest in a heated mattress with dual controls. You can set your side to whatever temperature your heart desires and your partner will not feel a thing. Tip: Heated mattress pads also exist if the mattress is beyond your budget.
- A little selfishness in your relationship might come in handy right about now. Use separate bed linens. With your own sheets, duvet or comforter you can cover yourself with as much (or as little) as you’d like. The bed will be a bit messy, sure, but at least you’ll both be comfortable and happy. And that’s all that matters.
- It’s pretty obvious, but make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothing when lounging around your apartment. If you’re always in a tank top and yoga pants, maybe you should opt for warmer threads. Hey, thick flannel PJs and tube socks never hurt anyone!
- Find a compromise with the thermostat. There’s a huge difference between 62 degrees vs. 78 degrees. Flip a coin and set the thermostat to the winner’s preferred temperature. Each day, increase or decrease the setting by two degrees until it’s set at a level you’re both comfortable with.
There’s lots of additional small things you can do that probably won’t even affect your partner. Have you thought about these?
If you prefer to keep cool:
- Take cold showers.
- Unplug unused appliances, most of which generate heat and waste money.
- Ditch your socks and go barefoot.
- Stick your pillowcase or a damp towel in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before bed for a quick cool down.
- Keep curtains and blinds drawn during the day.
- Opt for energy saving LED light bulbs instead of old school incandescent.
- Keep the ice tray filled for cool drinks.
If you prefer to be warm:
- Snuggle up with a hot water bottle.
- Wear socks. Better yet, wear two pairs!
- But if you hate socks, layer your floors with rugs to keep from stepping onto a cold surface.
- Use the oven more often. Any excuse to bake goodies, right?
- Opt for a long hot bath instead of a quick shower.
- Apply weather stripping to doors and windows. For a faster fix, place old blankets or towels under doors and windows to block cold air from seeping in.
- Stock up on coffee or tea.
- Keep closet and cabinet doors closed.
- Got a fireplace? Make sure the damper is closed when it’s not in use.
Well, there you have it. We’ve given you tons of tips to keep you and your partner happy, at least for the next few months. The pleasure is all ours.
Source: apartmentguide.com