My husband has an affliction that I have heard most Men suffer from – CAD – (Cant Ask for Directions). Most woman married friends of mine at some time or other does have a hair pulling, rolling the eyes episode when they talk about going to a new place. For the most part its fine with me, cause I am the Live and Let live (with the eccentricities) kind of person. I don’t like to take on a Battle unless it’s a matter of Life and Death. Most Battles in a marriage aren’t worth getting the boxing gloves out or the adrenaline rush and grey hair over(yep, I figured that in the 2nd year of my marriage, intelligent arent I?)
I am not a patient person(see I can admit to my flaws), especially when I know that the other has the potential to be better than what they are. Usually I say nothing cause mostly I know it doesn’t help to say what I think when I am annoyed. It removes the effectiveness of Truth as I see it. The control I have over my tongue is put to rigorous test when we travel. Mostly MBH (My Better Half- guess I am a tad possessive, see the MY there, yep hes mine warts and all) drives, I enjoy the view as a passenger and click anything that looks good to my eye. MBH has this amazing Optimism about him,(which was one of the reasons I was attracted to him), that puts my Realism(which he calls pessimism) to shame, at times. He doesn’t ever take driving directions (at least he doesn’t, going on a vacation) and he wont stop to ask for directions. When it was just the TWO of us, I didn’t mind the detours, for it was an adventure. But now with two kids of 6 and 8 years old, I prefer knowing exactly how, when and where we are going, halting for the night etc., for I do like OUR vacation devoid of any stress, at least not more stress than the ones that are inevitable.
The last time we "detoured" our way, we were on the way to St. Helens. This time I thought I had everything just the way I wanted. Since I didnt want us to get lost, I got online, got the directions and printed it out. The previous evening he tells me that hes got the map and so we should make it there without a hitch. I mentioned that he should take the printout for the "Just in Case". That was wasted breath anyway, cause he didnt take it.
So all of us got ready on time and we left home early(which in itself was a wonder of wonders) Half way through the journey, I tell him that the town doesnt look familiar. We made this trip some 9 years ago, before we had kids so I had this vague feeling we were going the wrong way. After a while we stopped at a Subway for lunch and I ask the lady if this is the way to get to St. Helens and she says "oh! you are about 20 miles off course". I smile very sweetly while getting ready mentally to wring MBH's neck, if I could fit it between my two palms. So now he knew we were "lost" and without any signs of regret on his face, he smiles his sweetest smile that puts the dimples on his cheek. Then he pulls out his favorite dialogue that he saves for moments like this, “Kisi ko appointment thee hai kya? Fikar math karo, Soong, soong ke pahoonch ja-oonga” (Have you an appointment with someone there? Don’t worry, I will follow the scent and reach the place). Isnt he the sweetest Husband anyone could have? He doesn’t want me to worry (giggling). Its also that time when I wonder if my Husband has a Bloodhound gene and look for a tail and tongue hanging out with drool on it, finding none, I sigh. If I say anything at that point, it will be something I cant take back once its out.
Recently just to avoid getting annoyed again, we got a GPS and now I have a new Item added to the list of things to remember to take, when we go on a drive/vacation. Ah! Life is as it should be I guess.
