Thermostat Dad
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Definition
A father who regards the household temperature as a carefully negotiated agreement that somebody keeps changing.
Field Observation
Dad enters the hallway on an unrelated errand. His pace slows near the thermostat. He studies the display, looks toward the occupied rooms, and asks a question whose answer he has already begun investigating. The house is comfortable. That is not the point currently under review.
Common Signs
- Knows the usual setting without looking.
- Checks the thermostat after someone says they're cold.
- Suggests a sweater with the confidence of a man unveiling new technology.
- Asks, "Who touched this?" before adjusting it himself.
Warning Signs
- A single degree requires a family explanation.
- Open doors become supporting evidence.
- Dad starts mentioning the outside temperature while standing indoors.
- The walk past the thermostat becomes a return visit.
Typical Dad Defense
"I'm not changing it. I'm putting it back."
Dad-a-Pedia Note
Thermostat Dad wants everybody comfortable. He would also like the comfort to remain at the number he left it.
Archive Classification
Category: Household Climate Oversight
Risk Level: One degree from a discussion
Known Side Effect: A sudden increase in sweater recommendations