Posted on by Belinda O

That Cloudy Day Feeling

When I was in my twenties, I mentioned to the psychologist I was seeing at the time how I loved cloudy days, thunderstorms and overcast skies. I’m sure my memory has exaggerated his response, but I seem to recall his face leapt out of a bored stupor into over-animated eagerness.

“Let’s look at that,” he said. “Why do you think you would like bad weather better?”

Bad weather? I just said this was my preference, that I loved it. I think it’s good weather.

chili

“I like it because it feels cozy to me,” I said. “It reminds me of a pot of chili on the stove, a good book by your chair, and…” I hesitated.

He waited a moment. “And…?”

“I like long-sleeved clothing better.” For some reason, I was embarrassed to say that last sentence, perhaps because it clearly confused him.

“Do you feel safer in long sleeves?” I recall him asking.

“I look better in long sleeves,” I said. “It’s classier, more polished.” Never was I more aware of fashion than in my twenties.

He paused. “Will you consider this,” he said (didn’t ask), “you’re frightened of the world, and you prefer any excuse to be inside.”

I like cloudy days, and he was calling me anti-social. In all my insecurities, with all my questioning of myself and my value, I never doubted he was wrong about that correlation. I simply find clouds comforting.

Comforting, majestic, remarkable. So simple, yet few things in nature can be as beautiful or awe-inspiring. The way the light filters through them, their ethereal nature.

Throw in a tornado, and I’m terrified. I have my limits.

I have no idea why I prefer what is generally considered less desirable weather. It’s not that I don’t value a sunny, breezy spring day, in fact, bring it on, I’d love to get some fresh air flowing through my place. In practical terms, yes, I prefer “good weather” in many ways. Certainly a much better driving experience.

But don’t tell me I have issues because of it. I have my problems, sure, but I’m basically a social person. Are there days when I prefer the company of my cats? Yes, but they don’t string together.

image of open antique book on wooden table with glitter overlay.

Just sometimes nothing I want more than to sit on the sofa, wearing my turtleneck sweater, reading a good book and waiting for the chili to stew a little longer…until it’s just right.

And seeing the clouds pile up high.

Image Credits: book–tomertu-stock.adobe.com; bowl of chili–Blessings Captured-stock.adobe.com; cloudy skies–evannovostro-stock.adobe.com

21 Replies to “That Cloudy Day Feeling”

  1. Give me a heavy rainstorm, a foot of snow, anything like that. I think it brings coziness and and a feeling of warmth. I don’t think it means anything — just a preference. The funny thing — I’m fine with storms, but I hate, hate high winds. I don’t live in tornado alley or anything like that, just hate being outside when the wind is going crazy!!! I’m with you Belinda!

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  2. Bring on the stormy weather (not hurricanes!) and I am in heaven. Nothing cozier than sitting down to a bowl of homemade soup when the weather is nasty outside. You and me and our kitties are fine, Belinda. Just fine.

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      1. Funny enough, White Paws is the only one of my group that runs and hides under our bed as soon as there is a rumble in the sky. And then his girlfriend, Piper, has to scoot under the bed, too. How did he live outside all those years??!!

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    1. I don’t know what that psychologist was thinking. I get the feeling now I frustrated him with my responses and he was grasping at straws. But whatever, I was strong enough to know the legitimate reasons I liked cloudy or even stormy weather. Just last night I caught myself thinking, “oh good, it’s raining, I’ll fall asleep more easily.”

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  9. I can get as much if not more enjoyment from a rainy, misty, cloudy, foggy, and/or snowy day. I certainly appreciate bright, sunny days…but other days have more “character” to them when they are less bright.

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