He Says, She Hears... She Says, He Hears...

Like most couples, Big Dave and I sometimes don't speak the same language.

For example, we are trying to decide on a new TV. Since Big Dave is the one who's in-the-know in the technology department, he has subjected me to long "discussions" about the benefits/disadvantages to various TVs.

He says, "Panasonic - VIERA 50" Class 1080p 600Hz Plasma HDTV with 3 HDMI outputs and built in HDTV tuner."

I hear, "..............TV...... tuner"

He says, "Should we go with Plasma, LCD or LCD LED?"

I hear, "..............................." Then I just stare at him with a blank look. I hope that will convince him to leave me out of it, as I know perfectly well any suggestion I make will be ignored by a man in the middle of "New TV Euphoria."

The tables are turned, however, when we are discussing financial matters. He usually leaves all the planning/investing up to me, but I do try to include him in the big decisions.

I say, "I know the markets are not really reliable right now, but maybe we should look at some mutual funds, ROTH IRAs and overseas CAP accounts in order to better diversify. What do you think?"

He hears, "....markets.... funds...."

He then says, "Yeah, I think we should open up a money market fund."

Again, I stare at him with a blank look.

In another example, my husband, like most men, is not very diligent when it comes to cleaning/organizing the house. Things can pile up very quickly, and he's perfectly content to let it pile up until (A) we can no longer enter the room or (B) we can no longer open the closet door. So I'll casually mention that something needs to be cleaned.

I say, "We really need to do something about the master closet. How about if you take a couple of minutes and sort through your clothes and get rid of the ones you don't wear anymore? I'll do the same for mine."

He hears, "............................."

The closet remains untouched 2 weeks later.

We may not speak the same language sometimes, but we usually know the most important things to say to one another. "I love you. I appreciate you. I worship the quicksand you walk on."

Because of that, life is good.