Guilty Pleasures

Psalm 32:7 says: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Was the author of this passage addressing dementia caregiver, too? I would like to think so: Surely, the presence of "the Lord" or some other higher power is working through this incredible support group.

Many of us start our mornings by checking new postings in this forum. Sometimes, George will call me a dozen times before I get a chance to scroll through the headings--or to finish composing a post.
Consequently, I feel guilty about not giving him my undivided attention. So when he calls and asks what I'm doing, I tell him that I am looking at my "Mayo porn"--one of my guilty pleasures ("guilty" because I'm enjoying myself without his participation and because I should be more attentive to him--or be doing chores, like beginning the process of döstädning).

The other guilty pleasure is my glass or two of wine every evening, and occasionally, a martini. My "happy" hour--but it's without George because he can't mix alcohol with his meds.

For me, a guilty pleasure is a get-out-of-jail-free card. It's a notch above self-care, because indulgence can create a sense of fun--real or imagined.

You don't have to share your guilty pleasures, if you wish to keep them private.