Sharing is Carring!

I've lived with roommates and a large family my whole life so the notion of having to share everything with Sparkie did not seem to be something that I couldn't handle. But I found myself getting aggravated every now and then with sharing somethings. Things from food and the bed, to chores and the bills...

I'm the cook, most nights, of the house.  It's partly out of a passion and a necessity but I'm normally the one in the kitchen with the apron. So here lies the problem; how do you cook for two different appetites with enough for everyone to be happy. I've spent a couple nights pushing out uniform dishes during my time as a chef and can orgistrate five burners, a microwave, and a oven to where everything is cooked perfectly and finished at the same time but this was a stumbling block for me. My first ideas was to do a ratio of individual size and weight to the amount of food provided. At first this seemed like a good idea but even though I out weigh Sparkie by a good 60-70 lbs, we are nearly the same height (I'm taller); depending what's for dinner, we take down about the same amount.  Other thought was to make it family style and let Sparkie get first dibs and the rest would be all mine! MINE O' MINE!!! Unfortunately my years in the service industry have made be a stickler for presentation; I can still hear Chef O'Grady yelling to wipe the plates before serving. Also, I really like the idea of us sitting down together as a family and not the whole "help yourself" mentality. So the solution you ask? Well, this tested well, until Sparkie figures it out, but I've just started giving equal portions and then finishing what's left from Sparkie's plate if I'm still hungry. It seems to be working and since I have no problems helping her clear her plate, we have zero waste and everyone's happy.

Here's an article that got me thinking.

Now for the real battle zone. Many a relationship has died on this hallow ground. I'm, of course, talking about the BED!!!

Now, as you can see, we don't have a small bed, and have room on either side for overflow. In fact we shared my old smaller bed before and didn't have any problems but for some reason we've started bumping into each other now. It's come to the point where we draw our lines in the sand before we say goodnight. Now, I may be bias, but I'm not the main offender. I am a very light but straight sleeper. Meaning I take a position and stay in that position all night. Sparkie, on the other hand, is a mover. It fit's her personality so I can't act surprised but I often wake up at night to her invasion force jumping over my lines. Most of the times, I can repel her advances and get back to sleep pretty easily but other nights the battle rages for the whole night. I hear all these couples saying that buying two twin beds saved their marrage but I really don't want to go down that road. Maybe a king bed? Any suggestions?

What are some ways that you've had to deal with sharing?