I had a single bed for the entire time I grew up in my family home, it served me well. It felt like I was the only single body that could fit inside. I was a natural morning person, I think it had something to do with the bed, as I didn’t stay in it. I had things to do, a paper round, a diary entry to write and school. I always looked forward to getting out of it! In my twenties I moved out and shared a double bed, the sheets were dark brown, there was passion and fire in the bodies in the bed but again I hadn’t stayed. I looked forward to the painting in my creative room and writing poetry till lunchtime.

At 27, after having a sleep over with a friend, who made a double bed up perfectly so we would have the most restful sleep, did I begin to explore a double bed for a single woman. It was possible, people I spoke to had double beds, all for themselves! A double bed didn’t mean there had to be a partner next to you, people didn’t go and buy them just when they were in relationships. 

A few months later, I ordered a double bed with storage and pink duvet set. I discovered space, I made it up each morning and washed the sheets often. I bought cushions just for the bed with no other real need or purpose. I propped up the pillows so I could sit up at night and read or look at my fairy lights. 

When I moved out, I shared an even bigger bed, a king size double. This time I do have a partner I want to share it with. I’m glad for when he’s home to come back to at night as getting in and out of a bigger bed gets cold quickly. The bed sheets are white and blue and covered in a heavy zebra throw or my personal favourite, a fluffy pink extra large throw. 

In the even bigger bed I slide under the throw and put on a healing eye pillow to nap. I contently sit up and read and sometimes we watch stand up comedy, if my hearing is last to go, I want it to be his laugh I hear. Our hands and bodies intertwined, a connection is restored and recharges us. I feel like we are candles melting together as one. 

The beginnings in a single bed has set up some light frame work for self discipline, I arrange the clothes for the next day on a chair beside my bed and set alarms. I do allow myself to just lay there, if I’m enjoying it, I smile, stretch and stay horizontal a while. If not I simply get up and greet my morning standing and get ready for the day ahead.

I see why people stay in bed a while, that’s what their body needs. The freedom to drink tea and have breakfast in bed, isn’t set to the confines of a hotel room.

It’s your home, relax being or doing, you choose.