Quiet Achiever!
''Dad, I've just been given
a part in the school play.''
''I'll play a man who's been
married for twenty five years.
''That's great son, maybe next
time they'll give you a speaking part.''
An ex-partners parents, called in for a visit a few years ago and her mother was exactly like Mrs bucket' a character in an old English sit-com.
Not content with dominating the entire conversation and casting orders like an old sea captain, she dominated her no doubt long suffering husband, my then partners father, who sat quietly sipping tea without uttering a word.
"How has you day been," I said to him. "Oh, his day was fine she said" and then off she went in a ramble. Attempting to communicate again, I said to him "do you have any hobbies that interest you?" She responded, "oh he has many hobbies don't you" and then listed them.
"Oh, I apologize" I said, clapping both hands together," I didn't realize that your father couldn't communicate" That sent here mother into a "HOW DARE YOU, I have never been so insulted in my entire life" TIRADE and she stormed off.
"Thanks for that" said Brian "I sometimes sit for ages, unable to get a word in edgeways and then erupt when it gets too much, and that stops her. She's a good person," he said "it's just that mouth of hers, does not want to stop."
I suggested a gift of marzipan could help and he burst out laughing. Many men have succumbed in silence, to keep the peace. Most definitely absolutely my Partner is always Queen of the Castle I said. But I'm King. An equal rule, it's a partnership.
He nodded.