I’m coming to a realization about myself that I’m not sure I approve of.

I like dark and gloomy weather.

There. I said it. I am starting to prefer the fall and winter to sunnier and warmer times. This is a hard one for me because I grew up in a place with a lot of snow. I fled it. I have complained loudly and often about winters.

I have moved closer to snowy places but honestly we don’t get much snow compared to at my parents’ house. What we do get is dark and cold. I don’t know that I ever really realized that until a coworker moved away because she said she couldn’t go months without seeing the sun anymore.

I was surprised. We don’t see the sun? I started to pay more attention. It is pretty cloudy here in the winter.

Remember a few years ago when everyone discovered hygge? That’s the Danish concept of making your life cozy during the winter. I decided that was a pretty good idea. I started to appreciate hanging out in the dark evenings and reading or watching tv. I don’t really like being cold but over the last few years I’ve managed to acquire a small infrared sauna, a working fireplace, and now a tiny hot tub. I can stay warm.

What about the days getting shorter? Here’s the thing. The days start getting shorter in June. That’s a little depressing in the middle of the summer. As soon as the end of December rolls around, when everyone else is starting to get depressed about the dark, I keep noticing how quickly the days are getting longer.

It is time to embrace it. I like dark and gloomy. It is atmospheric. It is cozy.

I never thought I’d be this person but I’m liking it.