I stole this from Charlotte. Borrowed? Appropriated? Anyway…
What are your middle names?
Mine is Michelle, his is James. I have always preferred my middle name to my actual name, but because he calls me ‘Babe’ more than anything else, I don’t have to hear my actual name very often. James and Ben happen to be two of my favorite male names. His parents did good.
How long have you been together?
First date was 2 and a 1/2 years ago, but before we started living together two months ago, we had only spent about 3 months together in the whole 2 and a half years – the long distance thing. Still, it is a hell of away to forge a strong friendship – email and phone calls.
How long did you know each other before you started dating?
A week. On a boat. 24/7. So, in ‘social time’ (the hours you spend getting to know someone you meet socially, usually spread out over months), about 3 or 4 months.
Who asked who out?
We didn’t realize we were on a date until we were half way through it. It was our first outing together without the other 5 people on the boat, and we wandered through the town, up to the church, bought some Greek Delight and ended up at a bar. It then became a date. I even said, “We’re on a date,” because it wasn’t by design, and happily surprised us both.
How old are you?
I am 39 and he is 29. Both have Big-0 birthdays this year.
Which situation was hardest on you as a couple?
Being apart for the majority of the time we’ve known each other was hardest – especially the times just after parting.
Are you from the same home town?
Ben and I were raised a decade apart on opposites sides of the world. It is completely random that we met when and how we did, and that two people with such different upbringings would have a meeting of the minds.
Who is smarter?
Ben has a highly analytical mind, and watching him navigate complex computer processes blows my mind. On the flipside, I hold my own. I know some stuff about some stuff. I can form an intelligent opinion – oh, and would totally kick his butt in Trivial Pursuit if he would ever play – but that is less about intelligence and more about how my memory works.
Who is the most sensitive?
I am when it comes to letting things get me down – like my fruitless job hunt. I tend to take the knock- backs personally. He is when it comes to being right about stuff.
Where do you eat out most as a couple?
I was treated to a special meal at a favorite restaurant just last week: Flying Fish, which I have blogged about I love it so much. We had the grappa brownie again.
Where is the furthest you have traveled together as a couple?
We met in Greece, which is the furthest point from our home towns of St Paul and Sydney that we have traveled (together), but have each traveled to the other’s home town in the past couple of years. Our planned trip to Italy later this year will likely be the furthest together (thus far).
Who has the craziest exes?
When we met we had both been single so long, this has never really some up or been an issue.
Who has the worst temper?
Um, him.
Who does the most cooking?
Me – happily. Living alone in Sydney I thought of dinner as a tin of tuna and some steamed vegies. Having someone to cook for – who is truly appreciative – has meant that I have enjoyed being in the kitchen of late.
Who is the most stubborn?
Him. Me. We lock horns sometimes.
Who hogs the bed most?
Me. I steal the covers. Which is weird because I never ended up with the doona on my side of the bed and on the floor when I slept alone. Hmmm.
Who does the laundry?
Me. I don’t mind. It smells a lot better than the garbage, which is Ben’s job.
Who’s better with the computer?
Um, him, I guess. Seriously, what I know about computers wouldn’t even fill his little finger. But I can cook! Did I mention that?
Who drives when you are together?
Mostly him. But I pick him up from work sometimes, so then it is me.
Off the Beaten Track 