I live with my wife and our two young children, but from ages 23-29, I lived alone. While living alone (especially sans significant other), I used to think, "Oh, it would be so wonderful to come home to a house full of activity." Now, I am beginning to resent the family cat because its presence (and seemingly continuous interest in being fed, going outside, coming inside, etc.) makes it impossible for me to be without distraction, even if my wife and kids have gone somewhere. The grass is always greener, I guess. I've turned what was originally designed to be a formal living room into my office, complete with locking door and couch. This helps, but it's hard for a two year-old to understand why daddy doesn't want to come out and play.
