Wednesday 11 February 2009

Z is protected

My children are lovely, as I'm sure you've gathered. Since Weeza moved this way from London, we've seen each other pretty well every week and she and I have become very close - not that we weren't, but increasingly. Ro, this evening, unexpectedly hugged me again, which is not that frequent an event. The firm he works for is likely to be moving offices (more people work there and more parking is needed) and if it's to the other side of Norwich, he'll be looking to move that way. I'm supportive of course, and he knows it's genuine, while acknowledging I'll miss him. Maybe he'll miss us a bit too (not to mention the hot dinners that await him every evening, hem hem). And then there's Al, who came over all protective today when a good friend asked him for my address and he wouldn't let it out without my say-so - the point being that the arrival of the post was meant to be a surprise. Over-protective, but better than under-, so what can I say? (well, I've gently pointed out the lack of necessity, but can hardly be cross.) And then there's the Sage, who hasn't made any comment about my limp, my cycling, my weight loss or my occasional 'ouch' (or the fact that my hips aren't quite as flexible as they used to be - veil drawn and all that) but, I have discovered, had been on the phone anxiously to our offspring about me. As they are to each other, which I didn't know at the time.

Of course, the Sage never said a word when I put on weight, so there's no reason for him to remark when it goes again. Even a comment might indicate some sort of judgment, so he doesn't make it. Awfully polite, we are. Well, he is. No, we are. Yes, me too.

9 comments:

Dave said...

But are they doing your exercises for you?

Z said...

No, but the Sage gets my bike out of the porch for me and carries my shopping in.

:-D

Anonymous said...

You've reminded me to get some road tyres for my cycle...

and thanks

Anonymous said...

I believe you and the Sage do things the right way.

If couples would exercise more restraint in their comments to each other and would perhaps increase the level of politeness and decrease the criticism, (as they do with most other people that they have dealings with) then their relationships would be so much happier and tranquil.

Your husband sounds marvellous.

wendy

Z said...

I rarely say 'please' when I can say 'would you be kind enough to ... please'. I suspect it makes me a figure of fun.

And he's okay, I think I'll keep him ;-)

Anonymous said...

Face it Zoe, you are loved (and not just by your family)!

Z said...

It was only a few years ago that it occurred to me that there were people who liked me, rather than being friendly because they were polite and/or liked the Sage. It made me very happy.

Zed said...

I only have one daughter that I can truly tell loves me. Her sister is very distant ... to everybody. My son is ... difficult, towards everybody.

I hope the latter two change and become like your children.

Z said...

If I tell you that there were times, when Weeza was a teenager, when we actively disliked each other, you may feel better about it. We've always been loyal and supportive to each other, but for years we were consciously tactful and backed away from disagreement. Now, we get along famously, but I don't think we'd ever live together again!