The second tier of enjoyable

Readers of Haley Nahman’s (very wonderful) Maybe Baby could already be conversant in an idea a current visitor author shared: the three tiers of fun.

According to this framework, enjoyable falls into three classes:

• Tier 1: You do one thing, and it’s enjoyable.

• Tier 2: You do one thing, and it’s not enjoyable on the time, however turns into enjoyable on reflection.

• Tier 3: You do one thing, and it’s neither enjoyable on the time nor enjoyable on reflection, however it’s enjoyable(ny) to inform different individuals about later.

Dating as a widow? That’s some Tier 3 enjoyable, y’all. Boy, did I’ve tales!

(Truthfully, I ought to most likely spend extra time reflecting on why I get pleasure from Tier 3 enjoyable a lot. I’ve at all times cherished a superb I-wanted-to-die story.)

But immediately, I’m right here to speak about Tier 2 enjoyable — the sort that solely turns into satisfying when you’ve made it to the opposite aspect.

A very good quantity of this month fell into that class for me. Looking again, the previous few weeks really feel filled with pleasure and development. That wasn’t at all times apparent within the second.

I suppose that’s but one more reason reflection issues. Sometimes glimmers solely reveal themselves after the actual fact.

Before we get into these highlights — and earlier than I drop the dreaded paywall — I needed to share an replace: I’m taking June off from the e-newsletter.

I’ll be again on June 30 for an additional glimmers submit, then return to my common Tuesday schedule after that. I’ve taken summer season breaks earlier than, and this one feels particularly crucial. Becca is taking a break from enhancing, my little one will start kindergarten in a number of brief months, and I’m juggling one too many tasks (per regular).