This is interesting. I guess I have a slightly different view of the space and ownership. I generally make whatever minor adjustments I need to be comfortable: shifting a pillow, moving a coaster or kleenex box. I do have an issue with fluorescent lighting--it makes me feel ill. Apparently, some people can see the flicker and others can't. Those who can often have a sensitivity to headaches, eye strain, fatigue, and anxiety. So I explained this to the T, and she was fine with my request to turn off the overhead light. She has no other lighting in the room, but it does have 2 large windows with blinds that I open slightly. I would not go as far as bringing her a lamp--though I wonder why she doesn't bring one in.

I usually make the adjustment while asking her if she doesn't mind? Now when I arrive, the overhead light is usually off already. On a few dark winter days I have mentioned with a laugh that perhaps I should bring a flashlight?

But I don't see the consultation room as "her office." I see it as a shared space. There is a door in her waiting room that is marked "private" that is her office where she keeps files, etc. I would never think to trespass there. So since I see the consultation room as a shared space, I don't see minor adjustments as her doing me a favor. Nor do I see it as bonding--maybe more like a dog marking territory???

But I see examination rooms in medical offices in much the same way. Like my former gyn practice always used paper half gowns and lap drapes, and I hated them. Always felt unnecessarily exposed and cold. So I would ask the nurse for a longer gown. My practitioner would always complain about the excess--and I really didn't care! Happily my current practitioner uses not only knee length gowns, but cloth, too! When I mentioned it, she laughed and said she insisted because she hates the short paper gowns, too!