Experts agree that communication is the key to a good marriage. I, being an expert, agree with this, and might argue that it is the LISTENING to each other that marks a really great marriage. Larry and I listen to each other all the time. We listen so well, we each know exactly what the other is saying.
Beth: Remind me to clean the second bedroom later.
Damn it Lar, I just cleaned that room. How the hell did it get into such a state in two days?!
Larry: Don’t worry love, I’ll do it.
Damn it Beth, it’s 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning. I’ll throw the bedspread on in there some time on Wednesday.
Beth: Ok.
Oh I know you will, because if you don’t in 48 hours all the crap that’s in there will be in the trash downstairs.
Larry: Great. Love you babe.
You are such a pain in my arse.
Beth: Love you too.
Right back at ya.
You need to read two very short plays by the brilliant David Ives: “Sure Thing” and “English Made Simple.” Touches very much upon the language of subtext that you discuss here.
Actually, if you read these two, you might as well just read everything in the book ALL IN THE TIMING because the man is a genius and “Words, Words, Words” should win the Tony for Best Way To Make Me Laugh Until I Pee.
Spot on.
and you wonder why Mom & I treasure our quiet moments together … the unspoken can be more powerful (and amusing) than the word …