Gina Heslop
Last week, an amusing yet relatable episode unfolded in my life. It all began one evening when my wife and I nestled into bed, the air filled with playful energy. The atmosphere grew heated, passion bubbling to the surface. But just as the moment seemed ripe, my wife’s tone shifted unexpectedly. She confessed, “I’m not in the mood. I want you to hold me.”
Astounded, I blurted out, “Wait, what? Then what was all that earlier?” And then, the dreaded words that husbands universally fear: “You’re not attuned to my emotional needs as a woman, so how can you expect me to fulfill your physical desires as a man?” Her words left me befuddled. Couldn’t she accept me for who I am, without making bedroom performance the measure of our love? Recognizing that this night wouldn’t culminate as expected, I surrendered to sleep.
But the following day, a determination arose within me. I decided to take a break from work and dedicate the day to her. We enjoyed a delightful lunch and embarked on a shopping spree at a well-known department store. As she tried on an array of pricey outfits, I trailed behind, a willing accomplice. Unable to settle on just one, I proposed, “Let’s get them all.” We ventured to the jewelry section, where she eyed a pair of diamond earrings. Her excitement was palpable, and at that moment, I pondered whether this was a test.
She requested a tennis bracelet despite having no interest in tennis. Throwing her off guard, I responded, “Sure, honey.” Her joy escalated; she seemed ecstatic. She announced, “I think that’s enough. Let’s head to the cashier.” My glee was barely containable. With a straight face, I interjected, “Actually, sweetie, I don’t feel like it.” Her expression transformed from delight to bewilderment.
“What?!” she exclaimed. Chuckling, I explained, “I just want you to HOLD onto this stuff for a while. You see, you’re not quite in tune with my financial needs as a man, for me to satisfy your shopping desires as a woman.” As the realization dawned on her, her look morphed into a mix of frustration and amusement.
I pressed, “Why can’t you love me for who I am rather than what I buy you?” In this light-hearted tale, a comical role reversal played out, underscoring the importance of understanding and appreciating each other beyond superficial gestures.
