Go Along, Get Along

My wife enjoys operas, musicals, symphonies, ballets, plays and other such live performances. She also likes to travel to places she's never been. While I draw the line at ballets, I do go along with her to other performing arts events that she wants to attend. I do it, not so much, because I have an affection for the stage, but because she's my wife and she deserves an escort when venturing out in public. Some performances, I also enjoy. If there's one that I don't like, the consolation of having a dark place to nap exists, that is, as long as I don't get ferociously elbowed for snoring, which would be my fault. Sometimes, as reward, there's a good dinner at a favorite restaurant after a matinee or before an evening show. When it comes to tours in foreign lands, she selects the destination and mode of travel with deference to my preferences as well. Being a willing cultural or travelling companion is one of the things one does to get along with one's spouse.

Why write about this topic, spousal accompaniment? It's a complaint of many women who say their husbands won't go places with them. They say things like, "One of these days, I'll get to do those fun things." or "Someday, I'll do the things that I like." So, all of you stay-at-home macho guys, who won't go places with your wife, do you realize what she is saying? Simply put, it's, "I can't wait until my husband is dead, so I can have a life." My advice is go along and get along. After all, she's your wife. Show her some respect and take her to a show or on a trip. At least, if you happen to pass before her, she won't be looking forward to a guilt-free outing.