From time to time couples have a little misunderstanding and things go seriously wrong. Not wrong like Andy and Flo Capp where there was a cloud of dust with four little arms and legs sticking out. This would be Andy and Flo fighting. I'm not talking fighting here but a misunderstanding that results in an awkward problem.
Yesterday my wife went to the fair to put her shift in the food booth that supports her church. She's done this for thirty years or more and loves it. In her younger years she would walk to the fair with a friend and sometimes I took them out or picked them up.
I agreed to drop my wife off and pick her up. She had gone over the routine for me to pick her up about a week ago. She'd gone over it several times, but I only listen to the last set of directions. This time there were no last set of directions.
When the time came to pick my wife up the directions were a little fuzzy. Her shift ended at 7:00 Pm. I waited for a few minutes after seven to leave. I had to park the car and walk to the crosswalk across from the fair to wait. She wasn't there when I arrived. No worries. I then remembered she was going to eat supper after her shift. No worries. I couldn't remember if she said she'd phone.
8:00 PM came. She hasn't arrived. I'm getting impatient.
8:30 came. I'm starting to worry. Did she try phoning and didn't get an answer and was still at the booth? Did she get a ride and expect I would still be at home?
Finally at 9:00 PM I thought there's no use waiting here. It isn't going to happen.
I went home. It was relief to see the house windows were open. I knew where she was. But what was I going to catch when I got in?
On the other hand she was worried I'd be upset because I was waiting. We didn't fight like Andy and Flo. We were relieved that each one got there without any harm.
Oh yes. She didn't have a house key. However, she found the key that's hidden outside. Luckily the door was not locked and she could get at the key.
Next time I will listen the first time the directions are given. Promise!
Do you run into grief because arrangements went wrong? What's the worst situation you encountered? What's the funniest situation you got yourself into?
Sometimes I write a note...less confusion that way! We just go with the flow...it takes too much energy to argue:)
ReplyDeleteNotes help. We don't have a cell phone. In this case a cell phone would have prevented this from happening.
DeleteCan't think of a specific but it does happen in our marriage all the time. Mrs. C claims my hearing is perfect but I have a listening disability. Still, her hearing is much better than mine. She can hear things I haven't actually said.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question. My hearing's okay but my memory is a little weak.
Deleteoh, dear. glad you both made it back home safely and could gain access!
ReplyDeleteSometimes you get lucky.
DeleteGlad everything turned out ok.
ReplyDeleteBut it did make me giggle! All I have to say is - men! Pffft!
Cameron says he listens, but when I ask him to repeat it, wrong! Ha!
Cheri
I think the same routine has been applied to me.
DeleteI found that a text solved the problem.
ReplyDeleteIt saves having to remember.
Yes, a text would help but can you believe this? We don't have cell phones!
DeleteHubby and I have missed connections every now and then. What I have problems with is the fact that he can spot a rabbit a hundred yards away in brown shrubbery or a fish in the deep dappled shadows of a flowing river, but loses me in a store in the mall even after I tell him EXACTLY where I will meet him!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a most interesting point about perception and communication. We certaily have strengths and weaknesses.
DeleteI stood in a store window dressed as a mannequin to see how many people might actually realize I was real. Only one little girl tugged on her Mommy when I winked at her, when I thought now one was looking. I was trying to resemble Carol Burnett's comedy scrub cleaning lady. ha,ha I did have lots of fun though and got some second looks - most people didn't even notice. Glad you n MM got that all figured out and now Sir Red, next time instructions are given, turn up that hearing aid and pay attention. ha,ha Have a wonderful weekend :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should get a hearing aid? The biggest problem is to turn on the brain and the short term memory.
DeleteHaven't been married for 12 years, maybe because I didn't listen well enough to likely candidates.
ReplyDeleteThat'll do it!
DeleteIn answer to your question.....Never :):):) if you are married long enough of course. Glad all went well. B
ReplyDeleteWe've been married long enough for all kinds of confusion. It's usually my wife who has no sense of direction or time. You have to really watch for her
DeleteI know that part about not listening to the entire directions. Hubby and I seem to be speaking different languages sometimes; he thinks he told me (to him he did) but I never heard what he said, I heard something entirely different! :-)
ReplyDeleteMen and women do speak different languages. Did you ever read Men are from mars and women are from Venus. It might be the other way around. it's a fascinating book on male and female communication.
DeleteYes indeed. Though I do have a hearing aid which occasionally malfunctiona or goes dead. Its a good fallback position which I use in these similar situations...:)
ReplyDeletePretty handy!
DeleteOh yes! My husband will act as though he's listening to directions, but when the time comes he will be surprised at the plans - ugh, so frustrating!
ReplyDeleteProbably the least of your problems after so many years of marriage. I think you've reached a point where you don't sweat the small stuff!
ReplyDeleteThis is hilarious. In a way. This is the problem we have, with only one car.
ReplyDeleteEver since I read this post, Red, I've been quoting it to friends. When it comes to arrangements for meeting people my brother CJ and I take after our parents and have had an almost fanatical attention to detail and being late, for example, would be worse than any other social disgrace. The cellphone has been one of the best inventions ever for us.
ReplyDelete