When I was growing up, my parents forbade me from ever opening up the curtains. It had something to do with their fear that the sun would bleach the furnishings. If I even sneaked a peek outside, I'd find myself on the receiving end of my parents' wrath. Just as children become acclimated to all kinds of environments, I learned to live in the dark. This habit caused problems when Jon and I moved in together. He'd walk into the house on a sunlit day to find me with the curtains drawn and every light on. He'd groan and give...