#seb talks

And I will get the occasional man who always pulls the "gotta make sure the wife approves" jokes. Now whether they actually believe in their man baby hearts they have to get the approval of another adult to purchase something, or they're using it as an excuse not to hurt my feelings when they don't want to buy something is not my business.

But today this family walks in. A husband, a wife and who I can only assume are their 2 sons. I don't hear much of the first part of the conversation, but once I'm paying attention, I can see this same argument is happening. Albeit, with a little more humour at least, but nonetheless the husband is making a big drama that he wants to buy shoes and the wife won't let him. Maybe it's for financial reasons, or for any other reason, again it's not my business. But he turns to me and says, with what is meant to be a light hearted joke "This is what you've got to look forward to. The old ball and chain always telling you what to do."

I've heard these jokes before, and normally I just let them slide. But today I decided to meet his fun in my own way.

"How's that?" I reply. "I get to look forward to shopping with a partner who is invested in sharing a decision with me? How nice!"

He gets I'm ribbing him but he continues.

"Yeah, well, you have no idea what it's like!"

I reply again, "To go shopping with a partner who I'd consider a friend? That sounds like fun! I hope I get to experience that!"

And while he knows its all in good fun, it's very funny how quickly his tone begins to change.

"You know she lays my clothes out for me everyday? Picks out what I'm going to wear?!"

I'm not sure if he meant this as a good thing or a bad thing, but I just laugh and say, "What do you have to complain about then? She's doing all the hard work for you! You should thank her."

The wife is in on the joke, she's laughing along too.

And again, I think this man sees something he may have taken for granted.

"Oh, you're probably right. She does do a lot for me... She's lovely."

"She sounds it!"

The wife is still giggling, my co-worker behind me is trying not to piss himself he's laughing so hard, and the wife smiles at me before beckoning she's had her look and it's time to leave.