Before I got sidetracked by medieval beds, I had intended to ponder the different kinds of staying in. There’s the staying in because it is so calming and cozy; and the staying in because one is terrified of going out. I suppose that’s a bit of a continuum, with just a more pragmatic motivation at one end and a more fearful anxiety at the other. Nonetheless, staying in is seen as a more comfortable option.

I think there may be indoor and outdoor cultures, too. I ran into a middle aged Canadian woman recently, who cheerfully joined me in remembering how we used to run around in the woods as kids, having long adventures, venturing miles from home.

And yet I know many people — in the US as well as in Brazil — who rarely leave their homes, or only by car for necessary outings like doctor’s appointments and groceries.

The motives and contexts seem as diverse as possible, at least anecdotally. Big house, small house; hot climate, cold climate; rich, poor; safe neighborhood, rough neighborhood; car, no car…

Off to find another illustration, as that’s half the fun: