Love That Spouse, but I Wonder...

I have a minor degree in sociology, so I've studied behavior. Still, things my spouse does used to confuse me, even after many years of marriage.  Not being one to leave a problem unsolved, I applied my education and experience to the task. Based on my studies at the University of Michigan and forty-three years of cohabitation, I have formed some theories on spousal behavior. Granted, the sample is small. Your results might vary.

1) Empty plates in the refrigerator: He wants me to know he appreciates the food we have and to remind me that some of it has been eaten. It's time for more.
2) Squashed bugs on the kitchen floor. Like the trophies of old sketched on cave walls, these remind me that I have a strong male presence in my home. No need to fear the creepy crawlies.
3) Trimmed mustache hairs left in the sink. Again, a reminder of virility. I think I'm supposed to ignore the fact that they've turned gray. Still lots of them!
4) Shoes left where I am bound to trip over them. This one is subtle, but I figured it out. I'm supposed to notice the many paths he travels each day to keep me safe and secure. This is compounded by several different pairs: sandy sandals, muddy boots, and grass-caked tennis shoes.
5)  Mind-bending noises from various power tools. These can be irritating when I'm deep into a plot-knot, but they serve to remind me that while I'm up here playing, the work is getting done on the ground floor.

Understanding that my mate leaves these subtle clues as a way to reassure me of his function in our home is both comforting and educational, now that I've studied the behaviors and understand their purpose. I have yet to form an acceptable theory on why we can run the furnace all day every day in winter but have to ration air conditioning like it's spun gold. But I'm working on it.