Spouses at TAM7?

[MattusMaximus]

Howdy all,

So who has ever brought a spouse to a TAM who isn't so into the skeptic thing? I ask because there's a chance that Mrs. Maximus might be joining me at TAM7, but I'm not sure she'd be interested in doing so much of the other stuff typically done by JREFers.

Regardless, I'll definitely be there.

Cheers - MM

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Don't bring your spouse. Married JREFers use TAM as a time to get away from their spouses and even have sexual flings with other attendees, without having to worry about being caught.

 

[Miss_Kitt]

MM -- It depends on what the Mrs. likes to do for entertainment. If she likes shopping, swimming in the pool, reading, drinking, playing the ponies, etc. she should have a decent time. Some of the 'extra' activities, like the Penn & Teller show and some of the social events, would probably be enjoyable for her.

Perhaps the best comparison is, Would you bring her along on a business trip? If she'd be self-amusing for a work-week, she'd probably do fine at TAM. If memory serves, while there were some intense skeptical conversations going on at the after-hours gatherings, there were also intense political discussions; TV show discussions; How would vampires really work? discussions...and a fair number of, "I can top that story" fests. All good fun.

YMMV, it depends much on how self-amusing she is. I'd certainly like to meet her!

 

[wafonso]

So who has ever brought a spouse to a TAM who isn't so into the skeptic thing? I ask because there's a chance that Mrs. Maximus might be joining me at TAM7, but I'm not sure she'd be interested in doing so much of the other stuff typically done by JREFers.

I was in the exact same situation last year. My wife had never been to Vegas, and used the time to visit casinos, shop, see the sights etc. She did go with me to the Penn & Teller show, and liked that very much (not so much the long wait for the shuttle back to the Strip...).

This year, she's not going... (her choice, not mine)

 

[RSL's better half]

Speaking as a spouse who isn't as "into" the skeptical movement as my husband is, I think there's plenty to do in Vegas regardless of where your interests lie. My first TAM was when Robert was to deliver his paper on Kaz. I visited family, played the slots, did some shopping, and even watched an in-room movie I'd been wanting to see and knew Robert didn't, while Robert was in the convention all day. At night, I really enjoyed the dinners and parties that are very much a part of TAM. JREFers are such a great bunch of people and we genuinely enjoy each other's company. At TAM 5.5, I was able to see a bit more of the convention itself, which was OK, but not as interesting for me as taking off on a joy ride with Kitty and Elaine was when they played hooky from the convention for a day.

The place we will be staying is filled with things to do, as well. A movie theater, a bowling alley for Pete's sake! Shopping and gambling desires can also be fulfilled there. And if sightseeing is more to Mrs. Maximus' taste, there is a Grayline Tours company that has some fantastic day tours. She should check online to see if there's something in particular she'd like to do. If she'd feel better with company, run her plans by me and maybe we can do something together. I will be with Robert when he makes his grand entrance, but I know if I choose to leave him at the convention there will plenty of folks who will be there to help him along. I will want to be there for the social activities of the convention, but will likely have plenty of free time.

 

[Susan Gerbic]

I leave my boyfriend at home, and he is kinda into all this stuff. In the past he just isn't all that interested in the social stuff. He wants to go to bed early, take naps and watch TV. All things that TAM isn't. He also has to be early for everything which makes coming and goings a pain.

Stirling and I want to socialize, get back to the room whenever and separate to hang out with other people.

I'll stick with the single route!

Susan

 

[Dicon]

The first time we went (TAM 2), my wife wasn't all that interested in the conference so she loaded up on all sorts of things to do in Vegas during the day. By Saturday afternoon, however, she had grown tired of driving all over the place, so she decided to wait for me by grabbing an empty seat in the back of the TAM conference room. Much to her surprised, she LOVED the things she was hearing, and she's been a full TAM attendee ever since.

 

[saganite]

Aw, that's a nice story, Desktop Icon.

My husband has considered going with me once or twice, but he changes his mind when I remind him that it's not only about the conferences -- my day doesn't end when the conferences do. When I'm at TAM, I'm AT TAM. I eat with attendees, I drink with attendees, I go to parties with attendees. It would be unfair to bring him along, only to abandon him for 72 hours while I'm off having fun.

 

[Susan Gerbic]

My husband has considered going with me once or twice, but he changes his mind when I remind him that it's not only about the conferences -- my day doesn't end when the conferences do. When I'm at TAM, I'm AT TAM. I eat with attendees, I drink with attendees, I go to parties with attendees. It would be unfair to bring him along, only to abandon him for 72 hours while I'm off having fun.

I think that this is my point also. When you have someone who really isn't into the social aspects of TAM then they are going to be resentful when you are off spending time with others. And you will be resentful of them forcing you to spend time with them alone. If as my son Stirling is, able to socialize and function 24 hours a day without having me around then they are just another TAM attendee that you hang out with.

Susan

 

[Gregoire]

My wife has not gone to TAM and says she will not go this year either. I try to tell her there will be others who are not interested in skepticism, but so far this hasn't worked. She would rather fly to visit her family when I go to these.

Funny story: during my first TAM (TAM 5), she was talking to an old friend about how much her friend liked John Edward. At the end of the conversation her friend asked where I was.

She replied, "at a conference."

Her friend asked, "at a conference for his work?"

"No", my wife answered. "He's at a conference which debunks everything you just talked about."

 

[Geek Goddess]

Don't bring your spouse. Married JREFers use TAM as a time to get away from their spouses and even have sexual flings with other attendees, without having to worry about being caught.

Mattus, I think Scrut is propositioning you.


ETA: I thought this thread was going to be about how to FIND spouses at TAM.

 

[MattusMaximus]

Mattus, I think Scrut is propositioning you.

Yeah GG, I kind of figured that too. He's just not my type. He's just so... not... sexy. But I did promise him a beer at some point. Better do that with witnesses around

ETA: I thought this thread was going to be about how to FIND spouses at TAM.

I hear that's happened a few times *pass to Athon*

And I'm also happy to hear that it seems that I played a minor role in fanning the flames of the latest JREF romance

And, believe me, if I were a single guy, there are plenty of beautiful, intelligent, and interesting women at TAM that I'd be willing to seek out for courtship.

 

[saganite]

And, believe me, if I were a single guy, there are plenty of beautiful, intelligent, and interesting women at TAM that I'd be willing to seek out for courtship.

Unfortunately, they're all busy making eyes at Ben Goldacre.

 

[Hindmost]

Don't bring your spouse. Married JREFers use TAM as a time to get away from their spouses and even have sexual flings with other attendees, without having to worry about being caught.

I suffer from separation anxiety...LJ will be there. Besides...I wouldn't want to lower your odds so much.

glenn