In a world that often glorifies constant novelty and excitement, the concept of "comfort creep" is frequently portrayed as a negative trait. However, journalist Polly Hudson argues that embracing routine and familiarity is not a sign of giving up but rather a reward for having explored enough options. She points to the cast of the TV show Friends as an example: Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow ate the same cobb salad every day for a decade, a habit Cox described in a 2010 interview with the Los Angeles Times.
The Comfort Zone: A Dystopia or a Haven?
Hudson responds to Good Housekeeping's accusatory question, "Comfort creep: do YOU have it?" The magazine suggests that if your life lacks excitement, it's time for an "anti-comfort crusade." But Hudson questions why comfort has become something to escape from at all costs. In today's turbulent world, she sees nothing wrong with staying within one's comfort zone, battening down the hatches, and refusing to budge.
She admits to being a "routine queen," someone who knows what she likes and isn't ashamed to say it. This self-awareness, she argues, is not a failure but a sign of maturity. After years of experimenting, she has curated a bespoke selection of choices that suit her perfectly.
The Good-Salad Days: Why Repetition Can Be Satisfying
Hudson explains that comfort creep is often associated with middle age and is billed as a miserable rut. But she flips the script: reaching a point where you've sampled much of life and narrowed down to what you love is a positive achievement. She calls this the "good-salad days," a nod to Cox's comment that if you're going to eat the same salad for 10 years, it better be good.
For Hudson, this translates to her friendship rituals. She and her closest friend always go to the same restaurant, their place, and order the same delicious dish. They've taken risks in the past, but nothing beats the sea bass. Now they're regulars, and the staff know them, allowing them to say "the usual, please" with a hint of pride.
Practical Benefits of Routine
Beyond the emotional comfort, routine offers practical advantages. Hudson notes that meeting up with friends becomes easier when you skip the tedious logistics of deciding where to go and what to order. This frees up time for meaningful conversation and connection.
She also confesses to comfort-watching TV shows when overwhelmed by events, and even has a favorite knife for chopping. While some might see this as sad, Hudson argues that why settle for less when you can have the best? She knows what she likes and what works for her.
Perspective: One Person's Dull Is Another's Discerning
Hudson concludes that the perception of comfort creep depends on where you stand. What might seem dull to a thrill-seeker is discerning to someone who values reliability and satisfaction. In uncertain times, she says, "I'll take all the cosy, familiar comfort I can get."
Her essay invites readers to reconsider their own habits and perhaps embrace their comforts without guilt. After all, as she says, routine is the reward for having done enough experimenting.
