Single men don't build houses
This thought struck me as I observed a peculiar construction site near my home. Among the various ongoing projects in the area, one stands out due to its incomplete state. The building's structure is in place, but it lacks a ceiling and proper elevations. Only one wall shows a fragment of future insulation, and the roof covers just the first floor. This unusual state of construction has persisted for weeks, raising questions about the project's fate.
While driving my son home from school, he noticed the unfinished house. I explained that construction work doesn't typically halt at this stage, especially not in preparation for winter. I pondered the possible reasons for this unexpected pause and narrowed it down to three likely scenarios: a lack of funds, workers abandoning the project, or a more complex situation.
The third reason, I realized, might be related to a fundamental truth about home construction: single people rarely embark on such projects alone. Building a house usually requires two individuals, driven by the prospect of a shared future and anticipated growth. The process is too demanding and costly for most individuals to tackle solo. However, even for couples, constructing a home can be a significant challenge that not all relationships survive.
Reflecting on this, I turned to my son and shared a personal anecdote. I explained that building our home had been a challenging experience for his mother and me as well. But then he came along, and I likened his arrival to a form of glue that strengthened our bond. The idea amused him, and he chuckled at the notion of being the adhesive in our family unit.