I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a good listener. If I’m in the middle of doing something . . especially like reading instructions and trying to comprehend what I’m reading, or even concentrating on getting a multi-stitch knitting design done, or finishing my thought while writing a blog post, Vince will start talking and I totally don’t hear what he’s saying. Years ago, he would get offended and quite vocal that I wasn’t paying any attention to him. No! I’m not! Can’t you see I’m busy! I never said that but I always thought it.
These days, I can usually just raise my eyebrows or clear my throat in a sarcastic way and he gets it — I’m busy; I’m not listening; I’ll talk to you when I’m finish what I’m doing . . which is usually about 10 seconds.
This morning I was reading through my email and saw a Sam’s ad . .
Me: Sam’s is having a big sale on November 9. A Samsun fridge – $750 off. Remember when fridges didn’t even cost $750? Oh, and $200 of a king size mattress. We should get a new mattress. I’ll be it will be a zoo in there that day, don’t you think?
Vince: Yes.
Me: What did I just say?
Vince: You said it will be a zoo in there that day!
Me: In where?
Vince: In wherever you’re talking about!
Totally NOT listening! Now, I’ll bet if I had said “There’s a yarn sale at XYZ Yarn Shop. I think I’m going to order something!” . . he would have heard that! And . . he would have reacted.
Me: (And I was laughing!) You don’t like it when you talk to me and I’m not listening!
Vince: But I was busy doing something (reading the internet!).
Well, that changes everything because I’m never busy when he’s talking to me. 🙂
He’s so funny!
carolyn says
That has to be a man thing! Also…if he starts a project is that more important than anything you could possibly be working on? If mine starts something, he immediately needs my help, an opinion or for me to make sure he’s doing it right. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the middle of something, he needs me NOW! That’s one of the reasons all of his stuff is unpacked and mine isn’t…I’ve had to give him my help with all of his stuff, but mine isn’t that important! Besides, I’d rather do it myself! LOLOL
Linda in NE says
Sounds very familiar, Carolyn!
Susan Nixon says
Vision only goes one way, you know. You can never say, “See how it feels?” Because they don’t.
Nelle Coursey says
I think this is the way it is everywhere. It is one thing if they are talking to you and you are trying to concentrate and they think you are ignoring them and they get upset. But if it is the other way around it is entirely different! And of course whatever we are doing is never important or as important as what they need to tell us! kind of like when I have a cold, I continue to cook, clean and do everything I usually do. If he catches a cold or even if he has a sinus problem, he is dying! LOL
Twyla says
If you are in the market for a new mattress consider ordering one that comes in a box and then expands. I love the Tomorrow twin ($400) on the daybed. I got two from Wayfair $250.00 each full size and love them. They are about one year old. And to watch them grow, OH MY!