Keeping the Quiet
One of the main strategies used to make our marriage work is that we have two of everything. Two TVs, VCR/DVD players, two iPods, two computers, two bank accounts. Bob has his own room in the basement which includes a bathroom and shower and down there he can leave his clothes on the floor, dirty dishes on his desk, balled up wet towels on the bed. He can leave the TV, stereo and all the lights on and accumulate piles and piles and piles of crap. I don't care because I don't have to look at it. (We have a room together upstairs, in case you're wondering.)

One of Bob's favorite things to do is work on the computer, watch TV, listen to music, read a book and take a nap: all at the same time. He especially likes to have music on.

I mostly like music only when I'm driving. Sometimes if I'm doing an involved kitchen project or filing at the office. But mostly I like quiet.

Thus, over the years I have purchased many sets of headphones for Bob. Nice ones with super long cords so he can putter around his piles of crap with ease.

I have a friend at work who records bands in his house so I asked him for advice when I bought the last set and he took me to the music shop and he and the guy talked about the special features and comfort and whatever and let me try different pairs on. I bought a really nice fancy pair with an extra long cord.

Bob calls them his wife canceling headphones.