Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 14, 2015 by Helen C

loveVs

My husband enjoys having new things. I, on the other hand, only buy things when I need them. Quite often our conversation goes like this.

“We should buy new trash cans.”
“Why? What’s wrong with the ones we have?”
“We have been using those for more than 20 years!”
“So? They are not broken and still serve the purpose.”
“They look ugly. I saw some on Internet that look really nice.”
“Come on, how often do you look at trash cans?”
… (It went on and on.)

At the end, 50 percent of the time, I gave in. After all, the poor guy has lived with those ugly trash cans for 20 years. Twenty years is a long time.

Apparently, he has figured out that I often softened when he mentioned the magic words “20 years”. One day, he said, “I need buy new shoes.” Pointing at his shoes, he continued, “I have been wearing these shoes for more than 20 years. As a matter of fact, I think I wore them when we got married! “

I got a little confused. “Didn’t you buy a pair of shoes last week? And another pair a month ago?”

“Yes,” he said. Grinning, he added, “But this pair I am wearing now is more than 20 years old!”

I laughed, and he did too. I was happy that we were able to laugh at the differences between us.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

About Helen C

A retired computer programmer who loves writing and photographing, and has managed to publish a YA novel "Jin-Ling’s Two Left".
This entry was posted in Memoir, Writing. Bookmark the permalink.

23 Responses to Happy Valentine’s Day!

  1. joannesisco says:
    February 14, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    My husband and I have the identical conversations – except I’m the one looking for change and he rarely gives in without a battle. My “20 year” comment gets me nowhere!!
    I need to work on a new strategy.

    Hope you’ve had a great Valentine’s Day. I’m in the process of getting a new doorknob installed on the front door. The old one broke … and it wasn’t my fault 🙂
    … hmmm – that sounds like a good potential strategy 😉

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. treerabold says:
    February 14, 2015 at 11:05 pm

    My partner and I are both able to rationalize a new purchase. Let your husband know it’s good to have someone to help moderate spending!!
    It can be a struggle….
    Our conversation goes,
    Me: “We need a new trash can”
    Tina: OK!
    We may never get to retire!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Amy says:
    February 15, 2015 at 1:21 am

    My husband is more like you, I’m like your husband. I don’t think I can use the same trash can for 20 year. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day, Helen!

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. lingeringvisions by Dawn says:
    February 15, 2015 at 4:01 am

    Sweet story. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. sunsetdragon says:
    February 15, 2015 at 5:50 am

    I enjoyed reading the conversation between you and your hubby. Happy Valentines Day to both of you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Adhika says:
    February 15, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    That’s very sweet Helen!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Sue Slaght says:
    February 16, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Helen I adored hearing this conversation via your post. Getting glimpses into how long term relationships work is a gift for readers. I love your sense of fun that shines through.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Dalo 2013 says:
    February 16, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    These are the perfect anecdotes to share on Valentine’s Day…wonderful and the best to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. rommel says:
    February 17, 2015 at 9:21 am

    I’m with you on this one, Helen. I’m very stingy on buying things I don’t need when there’s something still reliable in the now. Funny man you got, eh.

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. thevenerable1 says:
    February 18, 2015 at 10:46 pm

    What a cunning bloke he is ! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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