By slug
Date: 10 September 2000
thought patterns
a couple is driving one day when it occurs to the woman that they had been dating for six months.
she says: "we've been dating for six months."
he says: "hm."
she thinks "ohmygod - i've just completely stressed him out. he's going to think i expect a commitment. he's going to think i've already planned the wedding and named the kids. i'm going to scare him away."
he thinks: "six months, huh? that makes it february...the car was in in february. i need to take it in for its oil change."
she thinks: "oh great, now he's quiet. he's going to break up with me now. six months and i brought it up. what was i thinking?"
he thinks: "damn, the sticker's about to go out, too. I need to remember to have them inspect while the oil is being changed."
she thinks: "i have to call (insert best friends name here) and get advice. she's been in a commited relationship for years...oh no, then he'll know i got advice from her and he'll feel trapped. does he feel trapped? am i pinning him in? what did i bring that up for? i'm such an idiot!"
he thinks: "probably should have the damn tires rotated, too."
she thinks: "oh, look at the look on his face! he's frustrated. oohhhh."
the day goes on and finally over dinner she speaks:
"I know that it upsets you to think that i want a commitment. But really, i don't need a knight in shining armor on a horse to rescue me. I just want to be able to spend my free time with you. I just enjoy being with you and really don't need anything more than that." (satisfied that she's said something.)
he says: "ok." and that's the end of the conversation.
two days later they're with their respective best friend.
she: rehashes entire conversation and thought process word for word, getting suitable advice and sympathy from her girl friends.
he says to his male friend: "think she used to own a horse?"
Back to the Heart-on-Sleeve Corner