Salut Bonjour, chers lecteurs. Pour ce samedi de la Saint-Valentin, je suis partie à la recherche de confidences. Je vous propose un véritable Ève-Marie veut savoir.
L’idée: essayer de lever le voile sur les habitudes amoureuses de mes collègues aux horaires atypiques. Certains membres de l’équipe, qu’ils soient devant ou derrière la caméra, ont accepté de parler. On m’a raconté des choses en riant, en chuchotant et quelquefois, avec un clin d’œil. Certaines confessions se sont d’ailleurs faites sous le couvert de l’anonymat.
Il faut comprendre que l’horaire des travailleurs de Salut Bonjour fascine depuis longtemps. La vie de couple avec un rythme de vie différent intrigue, et si des enfants s’ajoutent au casse-tête, vive l’imagination!
Les compromis amoureux
J’ai d’abord lancé la discussion dans la salle de maquillage lundi matin. J’ai été accueillie d’un grand rire par certains, mais ma collègue Véronique Lauzon, de LCN, a réagi avec enthousiasme: «Quand j’ai été nommée présentatrice à l’émission du matin à LCN, mon mari a tout de suite décidé d’ajuster son horaire pour aller au lit en même temps que moi.» Il fallait lui voir le regard amoureux quand elle m’a raconté ça!
Rendue en réunion, une heure avant le début de l’émission. Je déballe mon sac: si vous avez envie de me confier vos secrets de couple, j’écoute! Une collègue raconte que son conjoint et elle ont des horaires atypiques et différents depuis des années. Ils ont trois enfants, devenus grands, qui habitent toujours à la maison. Elle nous dira que les rendez-vous doux d’après-midi, pendant que les enfants sont à l’école, ont sauvé leur couple. Encore aujourd’hui, après toutes ces années, c’est leur moment de complicité préféré. En rougissant, elle avoue même que si elle n’est pas venue au dîner d’équipe la semaine dernière, c’est parce qu’elle et son conjoint avaient mieux à faire, disons! Ses réponses étaient embellies par son rire, celui d’une femme amoureuse, comblée et aimée.
Des rituels incontournables
Another colleague reminisces. “I once had a partner with whom I had breakfast in bed, by candlelight. It was romantic,” she says. That impromptu date followed a very long day of shooting for both of them.
A colleague, who has been with their partner for over forty years, approaches me. “Despite the early morning schedule, I still go to bed around 9 p.m. to lie down with my sweetheart. For half an hour, we hold each other’s little finger, in silence. It’s been our lovers’ ritual since the beginning of our relationship.” I’m impressed. It’s beautiful, people who love each other for a long time.
Simon Philibert lights up when I tell him about my investigation. He confides that his couple also goes to bed at the same time. He needs less sleep than his partner. So, Simon goes to bed a little later and his partner, a little earlier!
Making Time for Connection
Photo Martin Chevalier
Charles-Antoine Sinotte’s face softened when I brought up the topic of intimacy. His partner recently battled cancer. A deeper tenderness has settled over the couple. With a knowing look, he said, “We have to admit that our schedule takes some energy away from us in the evening!” Shortly after, a colleague passed by to tell me quietly, “We only really connect when we travel, so I try to travel often.” A stifled laugh followed her comment. Afternoon dates were frequently mentioned among colleagues as a way to reconnect.
The Fatigue Factor
It’s not always possible to have intimate moments with a loved one who operates on a more conventional schedule. The 9-to-5 workday remains the norm for many. Moreover, when you work nights, accumulated fatigue can play with your emotions and make you a more fragile partner. I reached out to Louise Sigouin, a contributor to the show and an expert in relationship support. Here’s what she shared: “The insidious creep of sleep deprivation with atypical schedules ultimately takes a toll on both the individual and the couple. Irritability, impatience, unnecessary tension, and resentment over constant awakenings warrant a solution. For some, the idea of sleeping in separate rooms is a source of insecurity. They see it as the beginning of the end of the relationship, which isn’t the case. On the contrary, it can be a great option for those who can afford it. It provides personal intimacy, restorative sleep, and renewed energy to start the day. These are valuable benefits!”
Small Gestures Make a Big Difference
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Sigouin suggests leaving little written notes or sending sweet texts to ensure you stay connected with your loved one. “It becomes a little correspondence throughout the day to let them know you’re thinking of them.”
She adds that it’s essential to reserve a moment each week for a “lovers’ ritual.”
“The idea is to be together. It doesn’t need to be complicated or extravagant! This moment will allow you to catch up on what the week has held and to remember what you mean to each other,” she says.
I’m happy to have rediscovered my Saturdays and Sundays with my partner.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
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