by Tara Pringle Jefferson
My husband and I had a disagreement recently and I was honestly shocked that he hadn’t seen my reaction coming. “Dude, why are you acting like we just met?” I asked him, joking.
He shrugged. “I never know how you’re going to react. You’re unpredictable.”
Screeeech.
Unpredictable? What? Not me. There is no way. I make it known what I like and don’t like. Things I like: honesty, thoughtfulness, quality time, a good book, financial security, a great comedy on TV and good food on the stove. Things I don’t like: dishonesty, bad food, loud people (lol), stressful situations, and cold weather.
I thought I was simple gal. But now my husband’s comment has me thinking about whether he can indeed anticipate my reactions in various situations. I admit – sometimes I’m up, sometimes I’m down. Sometimes I’ve had a long crazy week and just want the house to be spotless – so pots in the refrigerator would drive me crazy. Other weeks I could care less about the mess and wouldn’t pay the pots any mind.
So yes, there was some truth to his statement, but I’d like to think I’m consistent about the things that matter: that our kids get most of our attention, that they go to good schools, that we manage our finances carefully, that we communicate effectively and that we never ever forget that our marriage provides the stability for our family.
Most people think once they get married they will sink into this comfortable groove, which most likely means that things are predictable. They know the other person inside and out and can reasonably guess how they are going to behave or react in certain situations. Others might feel that once things become predictable, the relationship is boring. It makes their skin crawl. They’re constantly looking for ways to “spice things up.” So where do you fall?
BMWK family, do you think your spouse is predictable? Is it a good or bad thing for you?
Tara Pringle Jefferson is a freelance writer, blogger and PR professional living in Ohio with her husband and two kids. She’s also Managing Editor of BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com. Follow her on Twitter or check out her blog for her insights on what it means to be a mom, wife, student, writer, and about three other labels she’s too tired to remember.