Home > Marriage > Ever After > The Packer Game Incident
The Packer Game Incident
My husband had a listening problem. And I wasn't about to let him forget it.
by Mandy Houk | posted 9/12/2008
 2 of 2
Despite his profuse and sincere apologies, it's taken 12 years for me to find this story funny. Before I saw the humor, I carried it in my back pocket, whipping it out whenever I needed help winning an argument. Pete would swear I hadn't told him something—perhaps that I'd invited 12 people for supper. Into my back pocket I'd reach: Oh, really? Who was the likely culprit, considering our history? Clearly, it was more plausible that I had told him, but he hadn't been listening. Didn't he recall The Packer Game Incident?
Over the years, I've come to understand that intentionally wounding Pete because of his failings does nothing to inspire him to listen to me more, or to fix things between us. Actually, my actions and attitudes regarding the problem have been far more poisonous to our relationship than his, infecting it with a spirit of unforgiveness.
I wish I could say that Pete has learned to listen to me all the time. He hasn't. But I know he tries, and I know it grieves him when he fails. I wish I could say that I've learned to quit being angry and manipulative. I haven't. Apparently we're both flawed.
But there are some things we've learned: to laugh at the little things; to forgive the big things; and, believe it or not, I've learned to love football. Which means I don't want him talking to me outside commercials and half-time either!
Though I didn't buy the t-shirt, I did tell Pete about it. He got a good laugh and then thanked me, profusely, for resisting the urge to buy it.
Mandy Houk, a freelance writer, has been married 15 years. For Mandy's blog, go to www.forbetterforworseforlife.wordpress.com.
Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Marriage Partnership magazine. Click here for reprint information on Marriage Partnership.
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