Have you ever slept on silk sheets?

Well, I did once, for about three days. Here’s what happened.

A few years ago, I found some beautiful, red silk sheets on sale, just before Valentine’s Day. Being the romantic that I am,  and because I wanted to have an example to share in the classes I teach on sex and intimacy in marriage, I decided I had to try them. While I was certainly this would qualify as one of life’s ultimate experiences, it was also something I had decided I wanted to try before I died.

With my purchase in hand, I made my way home, gently washed them while my husband was at work, and waited for the special day to arrive.

Sure enough! Just like every other year, Valentine’s Day appeared right on schedule. I lovingly placed the  beautiful red sheets on our bed and imagined what my valentine would say when he saw them for the first time.

When the time came to reveal my surprise, my husband appeared quite pleased. In retrospect, silk sheets were something we had joked about on occasion throughout our marriage; however, I don’t believe either one of us ever thought we would own them. We were both excited with our new treasure.

Then it was time to sleep. Neither one of us were prepared for what we found. Why, did you know that silk sheets are hot? They don’t breathe. I really was hoping that the sheets wouldn’t make me too cold, but I never expected to sweat in them!

And did you realize that silk sheets will make their way to the bottom of the bed without your permission? Our bed doesn’t have a footboard, which I’m sure was part of the problem, but I’ve never had a problem with my other sheets ending up on the floor during the night. Man–silk sheets just refuse to stay where you put them.

Well, we did stick it out for three nights worth of sleeping. Then my husband came down with some unknown rash. Being a physician, he wasn’t able to figure out what it was. Could he be allergic to silk sheets?

After his breakout and our three days of disturbed sleep, we felt it best to get rid of the sheets. I mean, what good are beautiful sheets if they’re hot, they fall off the bed, and they make your husband contract a strange rash?

However, I didn’t have the heart to just throw them away, so do you know what I did? I gave them to my daughter! I mean, just because they didn’t work out for us didn’t mean they wouldn’t enjoy them.

But you know, after I gave her the sheets, I’ve never heard a word about them. I’m beginning to wonder if she gave them away, too.

No, I didn’t give them away. They’re safe and sound on a shelf in my closet. Sadly, they don’t get much use around here either. Strangely enough I wasn’t hot with the sheets…I was cold. But that’s probably because ALL our blankets kept sliding off onto the floor! I’d be tempted to try Satin Sheets but that would definitely have to wait for the summer!

Recommended Reading

• motherhood, mom, mother