Why *Don't* Men Live As Long? A Little Decor Boost Helps!

He Always Said I Worry Too Much...

You know, it's funny the things that stick in your head. Last week, I was chatting with Sarah over bridge club (yes, we still play bridge!), and somehow we got onto the topic of… well, life spans. I was mentioning how my Harold (bless his cotton socks) is finally seeing a doctor regularly about that cough. Sarah, bless her, pipes up with, "Did you know women statistically outlive men?"

Well, that threw me for a loop. I mean, I knew men *sometimes* go earlier, but I thought it was all down to habits – you know, the legendary BBQ addiction or pretending they don’t need directions. Suddenly, I'm picturing Harold doing something monumentally silly that will impact his lifespan by ten years.

And then, I was thinking: Should we be doing more to make sure our men stick around? Not in a smothering way, but in a supportive, "Hey, let's maybe skip the third burger this week" kind of way. And maybe, just maybe, creating an environment that's a little less stressful could help, too. Now, Harold’s idea of less stress is fishing. But *my* idea involves a little home improvement. Maybe some calming wall art for the living room?

It’s All About Atmosphere, Right?

I truly believe your surroundings affect your wellbeing. When our kids were little, chaos reigned supreme. Toys everywhere, walls covered in crayon masterpieces (most of which were *not* masterpieces, let me tell you). I loved it, of course, but it was... stimulating. Now that it’s just Harold and I, I like things a little calmer. A little more…zen, if you will. And perhaps a little more artful.

I started experimenting with that a few years ago. The first thing I did was banish the beige. Everything was beige. The walls, the carpet, even the sofa cushions looked vaguely beige. Harold swore he liked it because it was “neutral.” I told him it was depressing. After he agreed, I went for a soft palette of blues and greens, and I even added some bright wall art! Not too bright, mind you. I'm not trying to give anyone a migraine.

Remember that study about how certain colors affect your mood? Well, I decided to run my own experiment. And, I’ll tell you what, even Harold noticed a difference. He even commented that it felt "more relaxing" in the living room. Which, coming from a man who thinks feng shui is a type of sneeze, is high praise indeed.

Transforming Spaces, One Print at a Time

I think the best thing about wall decor is how easily it can change the feel of a room. Remember that hideous floral wallpaper my mother insisted on putting up in the guest bedroom back in '87? Goodness, the trauma! Point is, thank goodness for paint (and better taste), but the right wall art is like putting the cherry on the cake.

I'm not talking about expensive masterpieces, either. I’ve found some lovely art prints for living room online that didn’t break the bank. I even framed some pressed flowers from my garden (a project that took me three afternoons and involved a small glue gun incident, but that's a story for another day). It just adds a personal touch, you know? A bit of "me" in the room.

It’s the little things that count. A cozy throw blanket, a scented candle, a piece of wall art for bedroom that makes you smile every time you see it. They might seem insignificant, but they add up to something bigger. A sense of peace, a sense of comfort, a sense of…home.

Adding Those Personal Touches

Harold, for instance, has a fondness for old fishing lures. I can't explain it. They're dusty, a bit rusty, and frankly, not very attractive. But they make him happy. So, I found a shadow box and arranged them in a little display. Now it hangs in his den, a testament to his…passion? Obsession? Either way, he loves it.

Maybe it *is* about not taking things too seriously. Embracing the things that bring us joy, even if they're a little silly. And maybe, just maybe, creating a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere at home will rub off on the men in our lives (and ourselves too, of course!). After all, laughter is the best medicine, right?

What do you have in your living room? What makes your family happier? Is your decorating style intentional, or did you just pick items at random?