Though Mrs. Griz and I are much alike in many, many ways, there are also quite a number of ways in which we are opposites, which brings me to the topic of this column: getting her a gift for Christmas.
You see, I'm a "nofrills," practical kind of person. Mrs. Griz, on the other hand, likes frills and doesn't understand why I just don't care a lotabout some of the things that mean so much more to her.
When I purchase an item, whether it be a vehicle, camera or clothing, I look for something which is basic and serviceable and has less optional items, I really don't need, to go wrong.
If it were up to me to pick out my clothing, I'd buy several pairs of stiff and unwashed blue jeans andseveral of the same colored shirts. That way, I could change clothes and not have to think about what color of shirt goes with which color of pants. Life would be so much more simple, and I'd be happier, I think.
Mrs. Griz, on the other hand, wouldn't think of wearing the identical outfit all week, even if she had enough of them to change into a clean one every day. How she looks is important to her and oftentimes outweighs the practicalness of simplicity and durability.
When we buy cars or trucks, it's the same. I bought my car because it had no extras, no power anything that wasn't already standard equipment. But Mrs. Griz likes all the extras and would prefer not to drive my car, even though it's newer than hers, because of my lack of style.
What my father-in-law said to me is true. I have a wife with champagne taste but on a beer budget, and I don't even buy beer very often because of the budget.
I once heard a speaker talking about the ways in which husbands and wives communicate love to each other and how different husbands and wives can be. Again, I've found that to be true.
Mrs. Griz loves things like cards, flowers andless-than-practical gifts. In fact, whenever anyone has a birthday or special occasion coming up, she's looking for cards and making decorative gifts. Me, I have been known not to even open my birthday cards for weeks, and I don't get too excited about anything that doesn't have a practical purpose.
By now, you've guessed that I helped Mrs. Griz put up some Christmas lights, but I usually forget to turn them on. She's been busy making Christmas gifts, and I haven't really thought about it much except for one gift - hers.
If I make or buy her something practical and useful, it wouldn't communicate to her my love - even though it might be a better token of my love than something impractical. Of course, on the other hand, going against my entire nature and getting something impractical and which might not mean much to me could show her I love her so much I am willing to cast aside all common sense and practicalness just to please her.
What's a practical fellow like me to do? I want to make her happy, but do I do it my way or hers?
Griz Bear is an old pen name used by the local editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be reached at [email protected].
Opinion, Pages 6 on 12/15/2010