As I was washing the sheets today, I pondered bed making. Do you think, as I do, that people are divided into two groups: those who make their beds every day and those who don’t? I know people who never make their beds. They change and wash sheets, of course, and perhaps for a few hours the bed is freshly made, but for the most part it isn’t. And it doesn’t seem to concern them one bit.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Don, for example, would never make his bed if he hadn’t met me. After 17 years together, I’ve trained him well enough that even when I am out of town he will make the bed. Maybe not as early in the day as I would, but he’ll get around to it.

You can surely tell that I am a staunch and true member of the Bed Makers Club. The bed has to be made. End of discussion. I don’t necessarily like the process of bed making, but I love the end result. When Don was sick a few weeks back, he stayed in bed for 2 days. It killed me. I desperately wanted to make that bed. The only time I really don’t care about whether the bed gets made or not is when I’m really sick. When I had my surgery this past summer, for a few days I cared not a whit about the bed. Then, for a period of a month, per doctor’s orders, all I could do was pull the covers up. No lifting of the mattress. No tucking.

Didn’t like.

I’m curious about those who spend a fortune on expensive sheets and pillows and dust ruffles and never make their beds. I’d like to have a little chat with them and find out what makes them tick. They, in turn, might examine my need to make the bed and conclude that I am a wee bit anal.

I can’t help it. I love the look of a freshly made bed. It satisfies me. Even if I never get back in the bedroom until it’s time to go to bed, I know the bed looks nice. There are the rare occasions when I am so caught up in events or errands that I forget to make the bed. When I innocently walk upstairs later in the day and see it in all its unmade-ness, I gasp. I’m not kidding. Ask my husband.

So, even though I know we need a new mattress, that we need a king size rather than a queen size bed, that I’d like a new blanket, I can ignore all that if the bed looks crisp and pretty.

By the way, when I was in Wisconsin this summer, I was informed that Tempur-Pedic had donated lots of their beds to the theater and that I would have one in my apartment.  I had my doubts about whether I would like it (“it’s a foam mattress” kept running through my brain) but I have doubts no longer. Oh my goodness, I loved that mattress. No more sore hip if I stayed in one position too long, no sore lower back from sleeping on my back. Hey, I’m in my fifties; I need more cushioning. The whole memory foam thing is true. It really does shape to your body. Alas, they’re pretty expensive and must remain on my ‘someday’ list. I know that mattresses are highly personal choices but if you get a chance to try a Tempur-Pedic, you should. And no, I’m not getting compensated for this, I just really miss sleeping on that mattress!

But, as usual, I digress. Back to my question. Are you a bed maker or are you a non-bed maker? Tell me. Share your thoughts on the subject. I’m conducting an unofficial poll.