When we lived in Seattle, M would attend monthly Seattle School Board meetings, which would typically run very late. Since we moved to Whidbey, though, the Oak Harbor school board meetings usually get over in time for him to be home for dinner, so when he hadn't arrived home by 10 pm last night, I was beside myself. He did tell me he had a board mtg., but of course he didn't answer his cell phone. I thought I was over that "accident panic". Poor guy. He walked in the door to my stream of profanities and tears. He did feel guilty enough to finally give the cat a flea treatment but he'd better buy me a present, too.

Also, last week I rearranged the framed photos again, to his specifications, but didn't say anything for a few days.

Me: "I really don't know what you have against the way I hung these pictures."

M: "Like I said, the composition between the light fixture, the stairs, and the....hmmm. Actually, they're just fine. Sorry I said anything."

If he reads this, he definitely won't buy me a present.