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Can I share a secret with you? Only on the condition that you promise not to tell anyone else. The secret is: “My wife makes me look good.” Now that it’s out, it’s all too late. I can’t take it back. That’s why it is so important for you to keep this information to yourself.

You see, I always like to take the credit for everything myself. You know that song, “Gee, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way!” I helped write those lyrics, along with many friends of my generation, and I can assure you, I can still sing it with great gusto all these years later.

What am I on about this time? Exactly what I said, “My wife makes me look good.” She is the one typing this article for you. I am a one-fingered typist who thinks a file name is something you stick on a filing cabinet.

I hate to deflate your high opinion of me, but she also often helps me rephrase my words to help me make more sense when I write. In fact, she is the one who brings all the balance to our relationship.

Check out this Four Personality Types video to understand type A personalities.

I have the tendency to be a Type A personality, that is, someone who works long hours and has an obsessive, almost maniacal commitment to the task at hand. Dr John Tickle defines Type A people as:

• Those people who tend to hate queues and especially hate red traffic lights. They go down several side streets and get there at the same time, but at least they were doing something.
• Those who are generally considered ambitious, and are often irritated by people who talk really slowly.
• Males who always push the flush button on the toilet way before they finish peeing.
• Those who might have lunch at their desk, but they have the phones hanging off their heads, piles of paper on the desk surrounded by organised chaos and general busyness.

My wife probably has a bit of Type A also, otherwise you would not be receiving this email newsletter article each and every week, without a break for the last 1,160 weeks. (Yes, she helps Nat, too!) Generally speaking, most women are not Type A personalities, which I thank God for every day.

That could also be the reason women tend to live longer than men. It might be noted that married men live longer than single men. Maybe it’s the braking effect of a wise woman telling their husband to abandon Type A behaviour – which brings me to my next point.

Take a Break

Some time ago, my wife could see that I (we) were running ourselves into the ground, so she borrowed a friend’s onsite caravan for the weekend to take some time out.

We watched some old funny movies. Bushwhacked is a great family movie if you ever get a chance to see it. Yes, it is old, but it is still funny. The gags are great. We rode around the lake on pushbikes together. We fed kangaroos together. We walked along the beach together and even rescued some stranded sea life (mussels) together.

We did everything Type A personalities never do. We rested, took it easy and just had some fun together, and it was all my wife’s brilliant idea. That’s the part I don’t like, because us Type As need to have all the good ideas.

Here are five reasons my wife was right. Taking time off for rest and recreation is essential because it:

1. Boosts Mental Health: Reduces stress and prevents burnout.
2. Enhances Focus: Breaks improve concentration and productivity.
3. Sparks Creativity: Rest allows fresh perspectives and ideas to emerge.
4. Improves Physical Health: Reduces fatigue and stress-related ailments.
5. Strengthens Relationships: Quality time with loved ones fosters connection and happiness.

A balanced work-rest cycle supports well-being, clarity, and overall performance, making downtime essential for long-term success and health. Why didn’t I think of that?

Probably by now you realise that I have a problem. I’m sure you don’t have these sorts of Type A problems. If you do, my advice is simple.

Get married to someone who is more intelligent than yourself and just say as the old man (105 years old) did on TV, who was celebrating his eightieth wedding anniversary. When asked what the key was to his longevity and lasting marriage, he replied, “The secret is to always say, ‘Yes dear’!”

Lovework

“Yes, dear.” Practise those words over and over again in front of the mirror, and remember to do what your wife says, especially when it comes to taking time out.

Yours for taking time out,
Warwick Marsh

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Republished with thanks to Dads4Kids. Image courtesy of Adobe.