Home, where the heart is, feels
either more, or less comfortable based on the surroundings we experienced at a particularly
pleasant time in our lives (my theory).
After 1900 until mid century, many middle class city kids grew up in
modest single-family dwellings with sizable yards and plenty of trees. If you ask them what feels like home, those
who had a carefree childhood will tell you it’s a house with a nice yard and
some trees. Maybe one with a
fireplace. And a family pet.
These predispositions toward places
that remind us of happy times affect our choice of homes or the architectural
features with which we surround ourselves as adults. If you grew up happy in a house with a
fireplace, you value having a fireplace.
Do you remember a Christmas tree brightly lit in front of a multi-paned
picture window? Does that feature in a
prospective home appeal to you? An extra
lot, or a particular view? A certain
kind of tree, or trees generally? A
terrace or a screened porch? Lots of
neighbors, or not very many? Your
subconscious mind is leading you to remembered happiness.
Of course, happiness comes from within. True happiness does not come from
things. It’s a function of attitude and
losing one’s self in work that brings joy or in service to others. It is a function of love. Still, around here we think that surrounding
yourself with what provides these elements of comfort can make you really feel
at home.
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