When Did I Become a Control Freak?

I was walking with Friend-Husband last night and we were discussing the merits of a new mailbox. Friend-Husband favors moving the mailbox to a new location. I wasn’t so keen on the idea of moving it and voiced my thoughts.

“You never like my ideas,” said Friend-Husband.

I thought he was kidding, and I kidded back. Then I got serious. “Is that really what you think? That I don’t like your ideas?” I asked.

Friend-Husband hesitated before plunging into this discussion. “You always bring up the “but”. "But if we…" "But that would…" "But what about…" You always have a reason why my idea won’t work.”

I was stunned. Was this “me” he was talking about? When did I become a control freak? Do I think I am smarter than he is? Do I think I am smarter than anybody?

I quickly apologized and made a mental note to watch that. It’s a nasty habit of mine to always want the last word, and to expect everyone to do things my way.

Somewhere along the way, I got the idea that I was in charge of everything it the whole world. It’s a lot of work. Really. I think I’ll let Friend-Husband be in charge for a while. It would free up a lot of my time. Even if my ideas are the best (oops, I did it again), I need to back off and play nice.

Friend-Husband is awesome. He would do anything for me, and he can do it so much faster and better than I can do it. He can do more in an hour than I can do in a week, especially when it comes to yardwork, and even (sigh) housework. It was my lucky day when he came into my life. What would I ever do without him. I think I should listen more and talk less, especially to my best friend.

How did it happen? When did I become a control freak? Is there a CFA (Control Freaks Anon)? Sign me up.

Linda Garner