https://bit.ly/3HGv7Kt https://bit.ly/33aZ4Dx https://bit.ly/3LsypTZ https://bit.ly/3rE1SCt https://bit.ly/3BaeXXs https://bit.ly/3oAP3a7 https://bit.ly/3HCITOm https://bit.ly/3uGCyOq https://bit.ly/34tXaP8 https://bit.ly/3GHQBp8 https://bit.ly/3BbTsp3 https://bit.ly/3uziBJ5 https://bit.ly/3oCmkBR https://bit.ly/3BbgkFa https://bit.ly/3gB8ify https://bit.ly/3uD8xis https://bit.ly/3gzHSL9 https://bit.ly/34lYwvr https://bit.ly/3LlVTdl by a Taken In Hand reader on 2005 May 20 - 12:13 | reply to this comment Boy, am I NOT what y'all seem to think! Wow! Let me just say on my own behalf: I'm not flighty and irresponsible. I'm not boring and dull. I HAVE meaningful and interesting work and I am sharp and, well, I don't know if I'm fascinating to other humans, but I'm interesting and well-liked by others, so I guess that counts. Clearly, y'all have misunderstood. I am not some brain-dead lady of luxury who lies around beckoning Mike to take care of me! I spend nearly as much time at his company as he does, working at his side; I have my own clients in my own vocation, as well. We discussed me working "outside" and not being with him all day every day; and he decided that he'd support us both so we wouldn't be apart, but I also work with him in his business. "Pat" wrote: You gave up your right to initiate and be respected? Or am I somehow reading your exact words wrong? Well, sort of. A woman whose feelings are cherished FEELS respected. Mike doesn't "respect" me as a worker or an economic cog or a peer. He cares for me and takes care of me, and so I feel respected and loved and... well, just wonderful! I haven't given up my right to initiate – merely my right to DEMAND that we do something. If I want ANYthing I just ask for it – and to the extent Mike can and decides to arrange it, usually I get it. (But not, for instance, hardwood floors in the bedroom.<G>) The only "restriction" I choose to abide by is that I do not ask for what Pat Allen calls soul gifts: love, time, sex and affection are the only "gifts" I may not ask for, but I graciously receive as he wishes to give.