What does your 'better half' (SHMBO) think of your interest in electronics - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 01:52:47 pm
content: I was looking for an update on Photonicinduction's latest torch project and was sadden to read that his wife had left him.So if you have one, what does your other half think of electronics and your interest in it? Mine hates mess and I don't have a shed or garage, only a half floored attic which is too hot in summer and too old in winter. She also thinks I should spend lots of quality time with the children and has not forgiven me for having the guts of 4 discharge intelligent lighting fixtures spread across the sitting room floor for 3/4 months, and that was a few years ago! In any event, the kids liked having the X-Factor at home, when I got them working again. Shush... Don't tell the wife how much a Philips MSD250/2 costs....That's my rant over...

author: Sar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 02:35:50 pm
content: For most people, at some point you should put on your big boy/girl pants and play the role. It doesn't mean you can't have fun, or 'growing up/old', it just means having balance in your life and knowing your priorities and responsibilities to those around you, you can still have plenty of time for fun. A little mess here (may) be more acceptable if you have that covered.

author: Mex
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 03:48:28 pm
content: My SO doesn't mind thankfully, and is quite interested if not active in the hobby. #What she doesn't like however is the mess! Apparently the bedroom floor is not a suitable place for storing old computer hardware, no matter how temporary (OK it's been about a month but shhh).

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 03:50:19 pm
content: Mine got me an old table from her mom's house to use for my projects. Her aunt gave me a lamp with a flexible end. Her mom gave me a gift certificate to the electronics parts store.

author: elgonzo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 04:03:57 pm
content: You need to have some space for yourself. But if i would spread my projects/toys all over the flat, i think SHE would not be very amused. Sometimes, my kid exiles me from my hobby room, which SHE likes because then i have to spend time with HER.Quote from: Pippy on October 11, 2013, 02:26:21 pmFrom empirical observations, i think the meaning of life are TVs and cars.But my empirical data might be misleading...

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 04:26:34 pm
content: Mine puts up with it. And last year, over the course of a month, I fixed the refrigerator (bad defrost thermostat), furnace (bad motor run capacitor), and clothes dryer (bad gas solenoids). I pointed out that the cost of the avoided service calls paid a few times over for the nice multimeter I used in diagnosis.But between a job, kids, home maintenance, etc., it's a constant struggle to find time for everything. When push comes to shove, tinkering for fun falls off the schedule. I usually do my playing a couple of hours at a time after the kids are put to bed.

author: IntegratedValve
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:00:48 pm
content: My "better half" has the same interests and we both share the same little lab.However he's more into analog stuff, and this is a good thing to have someone I consult in my bed. Never had any problems, I love him and he loves me.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:03:01 pm
content: QuoteI REFUSE TO ! -throws temper tantrum- goes sit in a corner pouting.

author: SArepairman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:21:02 pm
content: I had to deal with fierce resistance from women but I hold my ground. I refuse to be intimidated.Can you turn off the oscilloscope screen I can't sleep?STFUIf you areawesomein some way they will put up with your shit.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:23:26 pm
content: Mine's supporting me while I quit my job and do it full time; emotionally and financially. 'Nuff said.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:26:07 pm
content: Quote from: Stonent on October 11, 2013, 03:50:19 pmThat's a keeper.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:27:24 pm
content: Quote from: SArepairman on October 11, 2013, 07:21:02 pmSeriously... I'm not married, so I know I'm not exactly speaking from a position of experience - but why would you marry someone who is annoyed that you are passionate about something? That kind of goes against the entire idea of being passionate about it in the first place...Myself, if I were to marry someone, I'd want it to be someone I like, and who likes me back. And my interests and hobbies and passions and all of that are part of who I am.

author: rexxar
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:45:29 pm
content: He doesn't always understand exactly what it is I do, but he's supportive of my passion, and has learned to live with my mess... so long as it says on my side of the room.

author: dfmischler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 08:04:10 pm
content: When I met my wife she was still in college, and did not have a computer (at the time hard disks in home computers were rare, but the IBM PC was available if you had the bucks). She quickly learned that she benefited from my access to serious computers and electronics. I helped her with her papers and she learned to use DEC software like EDT and RUNOFF on the computer at my workplace. After we were married she watched me replace chips on a blown board to get "her" computer running again (the vacuum cleaner with a rotating carpet brush "ate" an RS-232 cable and the static charge blew the drivers, receivers, and some TTL). It's probably harder to impress girls that way now when you can buy a computer in any office store

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 08:05:26 pm
content: Quote from: madshaman on October 11, 2013, 07:26:07 pmOh yeah last Christmas I asked for an Ardunino and Rpi and got the Arduino from her and the Rpi from her mom.

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 03:15:57 am
content: I honestly think being with someone who takes pleasure in you taking pleasure in something you really enjoy is incomprehensibly enjoyable when compared to that being a point of tension. Obviously your SO should expect you to be considerate and more interested in them than your work or hobby.

author: krux
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 03:39:08 am
content: I got my girl a Hakko soldering station and a Ryobi cordless drill, and she thinks they are the best gifts in the world. I couldn't be happier.

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 04:31:44 am
content: She much prefers the electronics over hookers...

author: andtfoot
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 05:18:43 am
content: What this 'other half' thing...?I'm much too busy playing with electronics/computers/motorbikes/drums/CNC machine/tools/AV control systems/etc to find one...

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 05:18:58 am
content: Quote from: krux on October 12, 2013, 03:39:08 amYou must marry her now!!!

author: Napalm2002
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 03:56:23 am
content: Mine loves when I watch Dave's videos while she sleeps and has dreams of Dave's voice! Lol she is mostly fine with my hobby and loves when I fix stuff around the house. She does bitch a little when I want to buy a new meter. Maybe a bench meter for Christmas...

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 04:39:02 am
content: Quote from: andtfoot on October 12, 2013, 05:18:43 amYou're actually making (part of) a "test suite" for potential candidates.

author: rarthur22
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 05:20:12 am
content: A good balance in life is important, try and get the kids interested by building kits with them etc. I had some success with that. My son really liked the IR speaker wireless kit for his I-pod.

author: steve30
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 12:09:23 pm
content: Don't have a 'better half'.

author: Alana
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 12:23:27 pm
content: Quote from: andtfoot on October 12, 2013, 05:18:43 am+1but i have other reasons as well

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 12:26:16 pm
content: I Paypal'd $5000 the other day from Teq, wife didn't even ask what it was for.

author: willb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 08:03:31 pm
content: My boyfriend doesn't mind my hobby and passion for electronics, he's shown interest a few times, soldering random components, asking what test equipment does what, etc. It's more so my addiction to eBay and buying broken test equipment that he has a problem with. I swear one day I'll come home from work to an intervention.

author: geo_leeman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 09:01:40 pm
content: Mine understands and shows interest every now and then. While I know she'll never get into the hobby deep, she lets me tinker and headband a lot.We share a desk at home which is about 2/3 my computer/test gear and her iMac. I try to build some projects that she'll use so she sees that I don't waste time! While at work the other day she correctly identified a multi-meter on her employer's desk and suitably shocked him I believe.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 09:24:55 pm
content: I don't have a wife.

author: Shale
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 04:09:45 am
content: Mine didn't really like it at first. Now she is ok with it and asks me to fix things all the time, and i make things to use around the house that she wants. It works out.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 05:12:35 am
content: Aah, fix the washer machine made every relationship more solid XD

author: casper.bang
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 05:42:18 am
content: My wife supports my hobbies as long as I still get other things done as well. While not ideal, I play mostly at night in the living room where we have a large table and bread-boarding can easily take place. I bought her silence earlier this year, by installing a large greenhouse in the yard for her to have fun with. Unfortunately the season is pretty much done for, but I just got her a food dehydrator for the greenhouse crop, so I just bought a bit more time.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 09:53:48 am
content: My SWMBO is a software person I'm a hardware person, so we're a good team, she's the brains, i'm the brawn, not that i'd tell her that of courseI've got a room which contains my mess, she doesn't really enter (aside from when she needs a knife/screwdriver/adhesive ect) so it's all good.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 10:28:27 am
content: Well, women usually have no problem with hobbies that you do at home. Women rather do not like when you go booze in a pub.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 11:51:03 am
content: My fiance got used to it. Maybe that's because we've been together for 8 years and known each other 2 years more. My point is, that we were already together when I got seriously bitten by electronics bug. She doesn't do electronics herself (master's degree in Nursery) but occasionally uses my tools for some art-related stuff. She's also quite often curious about the stuff I'm doing, so she can name the basic things (as in: "honey, there is a DIP40 in between my undies in the drawer" and "hey, I found PIC16F while cleaning, that's a controller right? Is that blown or do you want it?").On the other hand, the "honeydo...." list has a higher priority than electronicsDunno how's that gonna be when we have kids though. Not that I expect to find out anytime soon

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 12:09:34 pm
content: Quote from: peter.mitchell on October 14, 2013, 09:53:48 amThat's what I need. It is the mess which causes problems, were is the fun in taking something apart if the 'mess' has to be cleared up by the end of the day :-)

author: fenclu
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 08:42:12 pm
content: What's a girl?

author: Kryoclasm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 05:57:30 am
content: My ex-GF never really understood that I needed hobby time. She never had nearly the enthusiasm in my hobbies as I did with hers.I know now not to get serious with a girl unless there are more common interests involved.That should have been a big warning sign during year 1....We went our own ways after year 3.Anyway, I'm plenty happy with the not so serious girls now.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 06:30:27 am
content: Women want quality timeMy wife has no interest in technical stuff at all. I have all my electronics (work) related gear in my office and try not to make it too messy.

author: odessa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2013, 07:04:22 am
content: Quote from: Hydrawerk on October 14, 2013, 10:28:27 amExactly that

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 03:03:59 pm
content: I think anyone you'd call your better half or significant other should a complete partner in life, and a real partner wants you to be happy, to achieve, to be fulfilled. You want that for your SO right?In times past I suffered through a 3-4 year nightmare with the wrong woman. The person you choose to be with is probably the most significant choice you can make in life as far as how happy you are (and choosing not to be with someone is also possible choice).I'm with a wonderful woman now (for me), and honestly, for the life of me, I couldn't ever see myself even considering being with someone who'd poo poo my passions and interests in any way, if I were back on the market, I'd have zero tolerance for that; it's a waste of time.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 03:13:11 pm
content: Quote from: Towger on October 11, 2013, 01:52:47 pmThat's sad to hear.Wasn't one of the major reasons why he dumped his channel so that he could get married and start a new life?In my case, SWMBO obviously tolerates my hobby, which is now completely blurred with "work", and it does put a strain on the relationship, probably more than I am aware of, because, you know, I'm a guy and have no idea about feelings and all that mushy human stuffWhen you spend more time in front of the computer than your partner, that's probably not an ideal thing. I frequently get the comment "you spend more time "in there" (the computer study) than in here talking with me."I'm posting this at 2am in the morning, I don't see the problem

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 03:34:22 pm
content: Can't tell if satire or truth, Dave. Suspect a little of both. Just remember, you're married to us just as much!As far as my GF goes: She's a physicist, too, and a far brighter one than me. Thus she is more inclined towards the theoretical and not too practical (yet). She likes to learn about electronics though and I taught her a thing or two. So far she didn't run away.She actually plans to build an RC car with me - a thing she always wanted as a little girl. So that's a good start.Overall I'm carefully optimistic.In my mind this can only end in her getting really excited about my hobby or her loosing interest, tolerating it. Either way I win, as long as she buys her own instruments!

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 06:50:42 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on October 16, 2013, 03:13:11 pmWell, some time ago he deleted his youtube channel and then he established it again... But I do not like Photonicinduction because he is a scope destroyer...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/photonicinduction-xrays/msg205771/#msg205771By the way, have you seen his wife?https://www.youtube.com/user/PhotonsWife/videos

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 07:37:11 pm
content: My girlfriend really respects my hobby, and we don't really see eachother often enough for her to interfere with my projects. She can't stop looking around at all of the test equipment on the walls whenever she is over, and asks me things that I have added to my stuff. I'm in high school, so I'm the only person my age in my city probably that has a lab like I do. The Hitachi CRO and my old hp analog function generator are her favoritesThis room also doubles as the bedroom... So I had to make some shelves to really contain everything to one side of the room. You know, for whenever she comes to borrow my multimeter

author: envisionelec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2013, 11:05:48 pm
content: I actually don't give it much thought anymore. It was one of my personal make or break items before getting married, though, since it's such an integral part of my life.Since I had never thought about what she thinks now, 13 years later, I had to ask. This is her reply:"I like it. It's a useful interest to have, especially when something breaks or if we need some extra cash - you find something for almost nothing, fix it and sell it. It makes me proud because you're so good at it."Trust me. I am the envy of many of my peers.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2013, 02:24:57 am
content: My wife loves antiques. It's a plus and a minus. Brought home a 1929 Philco Grandfather Clock Radio. Restored it to sell it and she confiscated it. It now sits in the living room along with three other radios, a Victrola, and an Edison cylinder player. The plus side is she doesn't mind the home office, shop, and large library as long as it brings in more money than I spend.

author: casper.bang
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2013, 06:51:59 am
content: QuoteInteresting, there seems to be quite a few people actually making money. For me it's just a hobby and I have no illusion or desire of turning a $800 scope purchase into revenue - my wife would definitely see through that argument.Could be interesting with a poll... scratch that,I created a pollto try and get an overview of how eevblog members balance their personal economy vs. their interest in electronics.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2013, 07:08:40 am
content: I certainly don't gain any money on my hobbies, but I can argue that we spend less since all repairs, home improvement are done by me. (I remember fixing a Philips CFL - an easy 5 euros at the time)This is particularly true on the home auto mechanic side. Beside the general maintenance stuff, I've done several relatively complex stuff on my own (timing belt replacement, head gasket fix, etc). If you go through a professional mechanic, it's quickly very expensive.In all, my wife is usually encouraging. Space sharing is challenging though. I think that I will never be able again to have half of the newly acquired (broken thus very cheap) convertible car in the living room as I did before marriage. I'm not even sure that I will have the desire or energy to do that anyways (and so the resignation begins).Best regards,Dan

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2013, 07:51:57 pm
content: Quote from: smashedProton on October 16, 2013, 07:37:11 pmWe broke up :/ she said that she was bored. I wonder why. ..

author: madshaman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 01:25:48 pm
content: Quote from: smashedProton on October 26, 2013, 07:51:57 pmMy condolences.Chin up man, she's just making room in your life for a woman of quality and substance.There's really only one thing I've learned about relationships (and it only took twenty or so years of dating): *never* settle for anything but the right woman.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 01:52:34 pm
content: Quote from: madshaman on October 28, 2013, 01:25:48 pm+1Learned the hard way after wasting 10yrs with my now ex wife.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 03:04:57 pm
content: Quote from: smashedProton on October 26, 2013, 07:51:57 pmShe probably found someone with a better scope ... Or a more active probe...

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 04:00:13 pm
content: My girl left me, because i wanted to go to bed with her.Well, she was 20 and me 21.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 04:01:58 pm
content: My girl is an oscilloscope named 2445A.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 04:12:50 pm
content: She's ok with it but hates if a box comes in the house after another "dumpster dive" in my company.I just can not let good electronic components sometimes still brand new (although the company regards them as garbage) go to waste

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 04:20:35 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on October 28, 2013, 04:01:58 pmWhy not?But my DSOX2000 is rather an instrument than a girl. It is not a device for pleasure but for serious work. Unless you like drawing.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 04:23:00 pm
content: Quote from: Hydrawerk on October 28, 2013, 04:20:35 pmI respect mine too much to objectify her like that.

author: dfmischler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 08:23:03 pm
content: Whatever you do, don't tell her that if your {computer, oscilloscope,etc.} was down five days a month you would get rid of it (unless you wanted to break up with her anyway).

author: Nermash
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 08:29:56 pm
content: Quote from: dfmischler on October 28, 2013, 08:23:03 pmBest answer in this thread, ever

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2013, 11:04:21 pm
content: Uhh, you can play chess with your girl 5 days a week.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 06:10:12 am
content: Potatoes with ketchup

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 11:53:29 am
content: This thread deteriorated slower than anticipated...

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 12:51:26 pm
content: Well, I was an a respectable engineer until a couple of years ago, so my wife really thinks nothing of it though she does says things like, "You're watching that guy again?? Can you turn it down?? God, he's SOOOOO annoying and hyper, like a yappy little dog."

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 12:54:03 pm
content: Quote from: con-f-use on October 29, 2013, 11:53:29 amAll we need now is pictures!

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 01:43:44 pm
content: Quote from: John Coloccia on October 29, 2013, 12:51:26 pmSame here. I have to watch Dave's videos when she's not home.

author: dfmischler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 01:44:49 pm
content: I use headphones.

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 01:46:57 pm
content: My wife thinks he's funny, good thing Dave is already married!

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 04:55:22 pm
content: Quote from: Hydrawerk on October 28, 2013, 04:00:13 pmWas she one of the girls that set up arbitrary rules for themselves? no sex before marriage etc etc

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 04:58:23 pm
content: Quote from: madshaman on October 28, 2013, 01:25:48 pmI'll use that advice, thanks. I'm alright haha. now its time to get my lorenz attractor working

author: Whuffo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 05:12:59 pm
content: I married a Filipina and she's wonderful. Best woman I've ever known.I let her do what she wants and she lets me do what I want. We look after each other with care and consideration - none of that power and control stuff that seems to destroy so many relationships.What does she think about my interest in electronics? She thinks it's fine if it makes me happy.Life is good...

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 05:50:35 pm
content: Quote from: Whuffo on October 29, 2013, 05:12:59 pmFor finding such a wonderful spouse, Stewie says...

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 05:55:04 pm
content: I experimented with having a relationship once. What an absolute nightmare that was.As with most experiments, if something doesn't work, then you know not to repeat it ever again. I'm not terribly good at dealing with the lies, deception and financial strain. Relationships are not for me I guess.I now really value the time that I have to do my own things without having to constantly look over my shoulder or wonder what she's up to. I have time for cars, electronics, mechanical engineering, work, computers, RC planes and all the other fun stuff that simply is not tolerated when in a relationship.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 06:44:47 pm
content: Quote from: smashedProton on October 29, 2013, 04:55:22 pmShe was a common Roman Catholic girl. There was no problem until I put her panties off. Well, we had been dating for two years or so.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 07:36:08 pm
content: There it is, you got to her too late............. ring first then floor........ not the other way round and take a test spin, like is way tooo common here.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 11:55:14 am
content: Quote from: SeanB on October 29, 2013, 07:36:08 pmWell testing worked for meExtensive one, I have to add. I've proposed to her after 8 years(of extensive testing).

author: ahnuts72
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 03:11:56 pm
content: Quote from: Kibi on October 29, 2013, 05:55:04 pmAmen brother!Im a firm believer in your philosophy as well.Sent from my Milestone X using Tapatalk 2

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 05:44:37 pm
content: Hi Everyone,My lovely wife knitted me a resistor to go with my scope:The Minecraft character on the left was a request put in my son, she made us each one!Thanks,Alan