The Correct Answer is Always Yes, Ma'am

 

      Taking a side trip for humor this chapter.  I love cooking, traveling, etc. and this blog provides plenty of it.  I thought a little levity might be in order.  I love my wife dearly yet find my retiring years to be a period of readjustment.  "Discussions" can be difficult at times especially with disagreement.  Most issues that arise after retirement are rarely of an important nature.  There is no winning, only compromise.  Perhaps there always was.  I am sure she feels the same way.  Both of us always want the other to feel as if they've gotten their way.  I'm not saying that I don't get mad sometimes and I know she does too, but a few moments to reflect on the outcome vs. price puts things in perspective.  It's a delicate procedure.  Barb is a smart woman.  At least one of us married well.  Harmony is all that matters.  

      These are the 'Golden Years', what we worked for our entire lives.  Barb and I are retired 10 years now.  In fact, 10 years ago today for me.  A sense of humor is one of the cornerstones of any good relationship.  I have compiled a list of the most important rules for any successful male in the Yes Ma'am Club.  These are intended to shed a humorous light on the most easily resolved issues, with plenty of self-satisfaction.  

#1:  Before any conversation takes place, always assume she is right.

#2:  Always hold your ground when you know damned well you're right, until she smiles.  

#3:  Always follow the directions when working on something.  Not the ones that came with the product; hers.  

#4:  When she is guiding you backing the RV into place, just assume you'll do it several times to get it right.  

#5:  When going out always compliment her on what she wears and how she looks; even though before you walk out that door she is going to ask, "Is that what you're wearing?"

#6:  Don't ever operate on the premise that you are the everything "end/all" solution to her problems.  She's been solving them long before you.     

#7:  Everybody promises they are doing the best they can, both men and women.  Sometimes even that isn't enough and it's perfectly okay.  That is her best and that stands for everything.  So is yours.  

#8:  All the information you'll ever need is stored in her head.  Simply ask and she'll happily download it for you.  

#9:  Always allow for the fact that she may not be as wrong as you think.  Thinking outside the box often provides the answer you were both looking for.  Make sure your lid is open. 

#10:  If you're reading this blog, chances are you shouldn't be calling her ma'am.

"Compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece"

Ludwig Erhard

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