A girlfriend (Teri) and I were talking about dating. Specifically, I was asking about the latest guy she dated and doesn’t want to date anymore. “Too many deal breakers,” she dismissed. “Okay,” I pushed, “list ‘em.” And so she did. Half way through, I got a pen.
A few days ago, I was asking my 17 year old son a series of have-you-gotten-blank-and-blank-done-college-application questions. To which he replied with a series of exasperated yeahs until he reached his manly limit, I guess, and said, “Mom, would you just stop nagging me?” I think I heard my husband murmur, “Uh-oh.” I started to say, “WHAT?!!?” when he interrupted to quickly say, “I just mean, mom, that I have it under control! You don’t need to worry about it. Really….it’s all good.” Even better, I’m sure, after a little speech about motherhood, worrying, and a reminder of how to speak to his mom.
So, I flipped through an old magazine in the doctor’s waiting room and came across an interview of Dr. Phil and his wife Robin. I can’t remember the title, but it referred to the couple dishing out Five Secrets to save your marriage. I didn’t write down the title, but I did write down their categories: Unrealistic Expectations, Money Miseries, Meddling Family Members, Kid’s Who Won’t Listen, and Career Concerns. So I guess these were the big marriage-breaking problems and they had the answers. And they did have some solid common sense advice. It was all good. But. They left something out. I try to scan a lot of articles like this – as research for this blog (and for my marriage, why not?). I’ve found that most of the guidance-givers leave it out. In fact, I can’t remember reading even one article mentioning this when presenting a list of marriage how-to’s or divorce busting suggestions.
My sisters and I are following a budding romance. Well, actually there are quite a few people watching to see what happens. Yes, mostly women, although it’s not like the men close their ears if we give them an update. It doesn’t seem to bother the two involved. They are quite open about what’s going on. Well, they’re not exactly open to all of us – only my sister gets the called-in updates. But we have a phone network set up. I’m savoring it (pathetic, ain’t it?) while it lasts because we all know that sooner or later this couple will get sick of the scrutiny. I would have already had enough. Good sports.
Oh, what a vacation! The best ever. If you have a chance to plan a big and special trip, look into chartering a Catamaran and sailing around the British Virgin Islands. It was heaven. A big (biggest) part of the vacation bliss was hanging with my terrific travel mates: three other couples (as well as the incredible couple Captain Gunner and Cook Megan – we wanted to bring them home!). We all got along famously – not an ounce of tension the whole trip. Unbelievable, really.
