Put your reading goggles on for this great read!
The Brain, The Waffle & The Spaghetti. Oh, and Reclaimed Flooring Too!
For fun, I was recently reading a book called Men Are Like Waffles – Women Are Like Spaghetti by Bill & Pam Farrel and it made me think of the countless conversations that I’ve listened to with couples who are in the midst of hard decisions regarding their hardwood flooring project. Makes me wonder how I will build a home and select flooring, etc. with my husband in the future without kicking him in the kneecaps. Hopefully I will learn enough between now and then so we can avoid that awkward situation in the flooring showroom.
Please Note: I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist, nor do I claim to know anything really about relationships or the brain. Any so called technical information here is from people on the internet who profess their intelligence on these subjects. Of course, I am throwing in my observations as a “spaghetti like” creature as well.
The Brain –
You really only need to know 3 things here; and again, I’m taking the word of the people who went to school and are professionals on this stuff (or so they say…never know with the internet).
The male brain on average is bigger than the female brain; while the female brain on average has more cellular connections than the male brain.
Men perform tasks predominantly with the left hemisphere of the brain; while women will use both because of the higher level of cellular connections.
Women have a larger deep limbic system than men.
In terms we can actually understand – men make decisions using facts, statistics, processes, logic and reason. Women make decisions using an arsenal of creativity, communication, intuition and emotion. I’m sure there is overlap depending on individual personality traits.
The Waffle and Spaghetti Theory (In a Nutshell) -
Men are problem solvers by nature. They compartmentalize all aspects of their life into boxes – hence the waffle. Each box (problem/issue) is very separate and is dealt with based on priority. Once analyzed and solved for, they move on to the next box - one box does not affect the other. Women are very different in that almost all aspects of their life run together much like a big bowl of spaghetti; noodles touch, are intertwined, and are all connected in some form or fashion. The woman’s thought process works the same way; one thought leads directly into another, which leads to another, and another.
So, how does all of this relate to reclaimed flooring…because I promise you it DOES!
The Waffle’s Thought Process -
With our new waffle knowledge, we know that men are all about the facts and processes, so when researching and purchasing antique reclaimed flooring they think:
What is the reclamation and milling process?
How thick is the flooring? Is it ½” or ¾”?
Is it solid, tongue and grooved and milled with a back relief?
Is it end matched with a tongue and groove on the ends?
Is it kiln dried to 6%-9% moisture content?
Will my flooring have high quality milling that allows for a seamless installation process? Can I install it over our radiant floor heat system?
Can I get stair parts, millwork, and floor vents to match my flooring?
The Spaghetti’s Thought Process –
Spaghetti may help us better understand how women think. I realize this might be a stretch, but it sounds good. For women everything is connected and intertwined so it is natural to be concerned about how their purchases will affect them, their family, their household, etc. They also have a sense of style and have a vision for how the home will look and feel. So when researching and purchasing antique reclaimed flooring women think:
I like the Antique Oak Distressed flooring - those color tones are warm and inviting and the character is so unique. It would definitely have a cozy feel when you walk into our home, everybody will think it’s beautiful when the visit. The grandparents are coming to visit this weekend. Wouldn’t that floor look awesome with the fireplace? Can you imagine the kids playing in the winter in front of the fireplace on that floor? We need to schedule to have the fireplace cleaned. Is the flooring natural and safe for the kids and pets? I wonder how durable the flooring is. Will Max’s toenails scratch the floor? I have to drop Max off to have his toenails cut and pickup the curtains from the dry cleaner. Wonder how the colors will look with curtains, furniture, walls and trim?
Oh, and Reclaimed Flooring Too –
While waffles and spaghetti are two very different ways of thinking, one thing remains the same; we all have questions and concerns as consumers. We all worry that we are making informed decisions about the products that we use in our homes. We want to know that we are getting high quality products and great value, especially in today’s economy.
When deciding on flooring for your project, take advantage of the differences we have as men and women. Work together, be open with each other, communicate well and ask a lot of questions; and most importantly find somebody who is experienced and knowledgeable and you can trust in the flooring industry. We know a few - ask us a question, we'll have answers!
Flooring is one of the largest visual elements of your home next to paint color, and we want you to be 100% happy with the floor that you choose from us! So, relax, have fun and try something other than syrup and spaghetti sauce as a finishing touch!
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