WashPost query on furloughed partners

[Anonymous]

Hi, my name is Ellen McCarthy and I'm a reporter for The Washington Post's Style section. I'm working on a story about relationship stress caused by the government shutdown. Maybe it's financial or just having a disruption in routine. Or too much time together if both partners are furloughed or one is and the other is a stay-at-home parent/works from home. Looking to talk to people in this boat. If you or anyone you know fits the bill and is game to chat, please contact me. My email is [e-mail] and my phone number is 202-334-7272.

Thanks,
Ellen

[Anonymous]

Not the sort of story the Post wants but...

I am a mid-50s divorced man who is a Fed. Right before Christmas I met an amazing woman on Bumble. She is also a Fed. The shutdown has allowed us to spend a lot more time together than we would have if we were at our government jobs on opposite sides of the DMV. We also have more time to text each other than we would if we were working. I am falling hard for her. I haven't felt this way about anyone is a long time, and I think she is falling for me.

I have just one problem: if we end up getting married, do I thank the President, or the Speaker?

[Anonymous]

Actually I’d love to talk to you. Please email me and let me know a good time and number to give you a call. [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the sort of story the Post wants but...

I am a mid-50s divorced man who is a Fed. Right before Christmas I met an amazing woman on Bumble. She is also a Fed. The shutdown has allowed us to spend a lot more time together than we would have if we were at our government jobs on opposite sides of the DMV. We also have more time to text each other than we would if we were working. I am falling hard for her. I haven't felt this way about anyone is a long time, and I think she is falling for me.

I have just one problem: if we end up getting married, do I thank the President, or the Speaker?

+1. CNN had a long series of post about how the shutdown was affecting Feds. It was full of people expressing their financial concerns and anxiety. That piece of the situation absolutely should be covered -- but it is only part of the story.

There are lots of Feds who are loving the time off which will ultimately be paid. If a delay in a paycheck or two won't cause you hardship, this is a pretty good deal.

If they were really looking to portray the full picture, they would also share this other element of the situation even if it doesn't go with their overall agenda.

[Anonymous]

Yep online dating apps are hopping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not the sort of story the Post wants but...

I am a mid-50s divorced man who is a Fed. Right before Christmas I met an amazing woman on Bumble. She is also a Fed. The shutdown has allowed us to spend a lot more time together than we would have if we were at our government jobs on opposite sides of the DMV. We also have more time to text each other than we would if we were working. I am falling hard for her. I haven't felt this way about anyone is a long time, and I think she is falling for me.

I have just one problem: if we end up getting married, do I thank the President, or the Speaker?

+1. CNN had a long series of post about how the shutdown was affecting Feds. It was full of people expressing their financial concerns and anxiety. That piece of the situation absolutely should be covered -- but it is only part of the story.

There are lots of Feds who are loving the time off which will ultimately be paid. If a delay in a paycheck or two won't cause you hardship, this is a pretty good deal.

If they were really looking to portray the full picture, they would also share this other element of the situation even if it doesn't go with their overall agenda.

I agree with this. Between my DH’s and our savings, DH and I can afford to go without me receiving my bi-weekly paycheck, but I am considered essential and therefore have to work throughout the shutdown. While I realize, many/most are not as fortunate as we are, I would love nothing more than to be home for a on extended period of time, knowing I’m getting paid to do so. Only well.

[Anonymous]

I think morale is taking a big hit, even to families that can afford the shutdown.

[Anonymous]

My DH got a full time job two months ago after a year of underemployment, so I'm just relieved not to be sole breadwinner right now.