When one of you chose a wife or decided that a person is the right match for you, how much was the "preper mentality " a part of it.

In my case, I didnt even think of it earlier, and I realize now that my wife and I are an odd couple in this area (plus a few other areas). While I will have a couple sleepless nights preparing for a 100 mile trip, my wife is the type that will frown if she sees a half dozen water bottles in the car. And she feels better when the car is empty and can buy whatever we need from convenient stores.

So was it a factor in your relationship from the beginning or has it developed over the years ?

When I met my lady, she had extensive desert camping and general backpacking experience. Our second date was a day hike of about seven miles in a local undeveloped county park. During a rest stop, we compared the contents of our day packs. We both had first aid kits and "survival kits". She called hers an "overnight bag", working on the assumption that she might have to stay out overnight in the park if an emergency arose. It had a warm hat, space blanket, ways to make fire, attact help, etc.

A couple of dates later, we went shopping. I was putting a purchase in the trunk of her car. In the trunk was her backpack, complete and ready to go, along with basic car maintenance items and extra water. When I asked about it, she simply explained that we lived in earthquake country, and it made sense to her to be prepared. I found this to be most compatable with my beliefs on proper preparedness, so we moved on to discover other areas of compatability. That was ten years ago, so obviously we found some. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

"Preparedness" was not really on my list of things that I was looking for in a woman, but I have always been attracted to women who want a man, but don't need a man, if that makes sense.

Hi,

Speaking as the unprepared wife ....

Nope, being prepared had nothing to do with DH and I getting together. When we met he was too intoxicated to realize my many shortcomings, and I didn't care about being prepared. However, many years later, here I am today being slowly converted ...

Our relationship has evolved, and I now expect DH to be prepared for everything. In fact, I occassionally chastise him for not being prepared for some circumstance (even though I am equally unprepared).

Oh, and I also frown if DH puts half a dozen water bottles in the car for a trip. After all, I know that I'm the one who will be stuck with the job of washing all those water bottles. It took me a while, but I finally convinced DH to cut down on the number of water bottles in the car. (We carry about the same amount of water as before, just in larger containers.)

-Kuovonne

But you did already have a Swiss Army Knife when I met you. I took that to be a good sign.

-Blast, back after three weeks on the road!