In the years I’ve shared with my partner, I never anticipated encountering the man who now occupies our dining room. As high school sweethearts with over two decades of history, I thought I knew him inside and out. Yet, during a recent video meeting, I was taken aback by an unexpected burst of laughter—his “office laugh”—that had never graced our home before COVID-19. It was an exuberant sound, far louder than anything I’d heard from him before.
Typically, he maintains a calm demeanor, often proving to be the steady force to my more animated personality. I’ve rarely heard him express anger, and my tendency to pepper conversations with expletives starkly contrasts his restraint. Yet, that day, his laughter filled the room, challenging everything I thought I knew.
Curiosity piqued, I began observing him more closely to uncover other facets of this work persona I now share quarantine time with.
He’s Left-Handed (At Work)
Though I thought I knew all there was to know, I discovered he’s a right-handed person who has chosen to use his left hand for his mouse during work. He casually explained he wanted to see if he could manage it, and apparently, he can. Why complicate life? I could never imagine switching hands, especially when my own attempts at touchpads resemble the struggles of a toddler wielding a crayon.
He Has a Work Nickname
In addition to the endearing names we share, he goes by “Jake” at work. This nickname, while a diminutive of his full name, feels odd since I’ve only ever known him by his formal name. I can’t help but wonder how this name evolution occurred—was it a coworker’s mistake that he simply accepted, or did he embrace this new identity? Hearing “Jake” feels as jarring as when a child calls me by my first name instead of “Mom.”
He Practices Office Chair Yoga
While I lounge on our couch typing away, he maintains impeccable posture at the dining table, proving that he’s been working on his alignment. He even prefers a bench chair to engage his core, which I jokingly call “exercise.” To me, laziness looks like wearing pajamas while seated comfortably.
His Memory Surprises Me
I’ve always found my partner’s memory for details lacking, especially when it comes to remembering significant dates. However, during work calls, he recalls minute details with astonishing clarity, managing multiple demands simultaneously. He can even remember specifics about projects that others have long forgotten, yet he struggles to remember to replace the toilet paper roll.
He Treasures His Office Supplies
Our dining table has transformed into his work area, revealing a collection of colorful pens arranged meticulously. I’ve learned they are off-limits to me. I can’t touch them—ever.
He’s Not Just a Health Nut
After long days, we used to gather around the stove, indulging in desserts. My daughters would leave cookie crumbs in their wake while my partner, the health enthusiast, would nibble on dates. However, I recently learned about his “secret snack drawer” filled with gourmet treats from clients, which he shares with his coworkers throughout the year. It turns out he has a sweet tooth hidden beneath that health-conscious exterior.
Seeing this daytime version of my partner during quarantine has been enlightening. He’s animated, engaging, and listens with empathy, showcasing a side of him I hadn’t fully appreciated before. It makes me ponder the balance between work and life, and how this experience could shape our future dynamics.
Ultimately, I treasure the opportunity to learn more about this person I thought I knew entirely. His patience and intellect shine through in his work life, revealing a depth of character that enriches our relationship. Will this “Work Jake” become a permanent fixture in our household? I truly hope so.
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In conclusion, the quarantine period has provided a unique lens through which to view my partner—a revelation of his professional self that has enriched our relationship. I look forward to seeing how this newfound understanding will shape our lives moving forward.

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