Every day of our lives millions of us will walk up to the front door of the house where we live and walk across the threshold into what we call our home but how often do we wonder if that house is always really a home. Indeed there are many times when a house can be considered little more than bricks and mortar that protect us from the elements or even a place we sometimes dread to return too, in other words it is far from being considered a home.

There are so many factors that need to be in place before one can say that a house is really a home. Take for example a brand new dwelling that has just been completed by the constructors and stands as an empty shell, waiting for a new owner to place a key in the lock for the first time. Until that new person or family steps through the door for the first time as owner and begins to breathe their hopes and dreams into the building and fill it with their choice of furniture and decorations that empty house will not become a home.

In both the physical and emotional sense therefore a house does not become a home until it is filled with the presence of people. Physically it needs all of the comforts that every no true home is complete without. In needs the material comforts that provide character and shows that this is a living property, one that is both respected by, and respects those who live there. It also needs life. No house is a home unless it possesses life. This includes the life of the people who own the house. The sound of conversation and laughter of all ages gives the house history and a sense of belonging, as will the sounds of cooking, washing and other daily chores.

Moreover, in the physical sense a house also need to possess other living things. The beautiful tended garden that reflects the personality of the family and the freshly cut flowers that bring colours from nature to brighten the rooms, all of these and more are so important to the conversion of a house into a home.

Emotion is an equally important element that is required to make a house a home and this applies where there is a single occupant or a family in residence. In either case there has to be love and happiness. For the single person that includes the happiness and love they feel within their lives and the pleasure of being in a home that is theirs. For the family this will also include the love, affection and happiness they feel for each other and for friends and relatives.

As long as that emotion is present, the house will always be a home. However, unfortunately, sometimes there are disruptions to these emotions, such as at times of relationship breakdown or bereavement. Often at such times those who remain behind in the house will be tempted to consider that the house has ceased to be a home. Nevertheless, if there have previously been positive emotions present, often the home will repay with the comfort of past memories.

In conclusion therefore, a house is only a home when it is adorned with the physical characteristics and belongings that reflect the personality of its owner and when it is filled with the emotional feelings and sounds of love and happiness.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Is a house always a home??
We want to hear your view. Write now!