Lesson 3: The “Calves” and “Calves Not”
Lesson 3: If your wife compliments herself, let her enjoy the moment. Don’t offer additional explanations.
Several months ago, my wife was feeling down in the dumps. She had been working out for a while but didn’t feel like she was seeing results. I tried to explain that results would be much quicker with a little more consistency and careful eating. This wasn’t received well, but since she is used to my ways, it wasn’t a major problem. She said, “I’m just frustrated because I look exactly the same and I am working hard.” She then said, with a positive ring in her voice, “But at least my calves are looking pretty defined.”
I observed her calves and thought that they were somewhat defined. I then proceeded to tell her why. “You see,” I said, “in my experience I have noticed that big people typically have nice defined legs. I think it’s because they are carrying around a lot of weight, and the legs get a lot of extra exercise.”
She didn’t appreciate my explanation on the matter and said, “If you refuse to pay me compliments, you could at least let me try to pay myself one.” I proceeded to tell her that I have scrawny legs because I am skinny, and that it isn’t a good thing either. Besides, at least she can lose weight and maintain the definition, while I need to bulk up and work hard to define my legs.
This was quite unconvincing and she ended the subject abruptly. Later she told me that I should have just agreed with her when she complimented herself.
My suggestion: Enjoy the fact that your wife is willing to compliment herself and save you the trouble.
5 Responses to “Lesson 3: The “Calves” and “Calves Not””
Chris, Doug or whatever, concerning your wife advice posts:
You crack me up with a capit U P !!!
You should be grateful I raised such an understanding, caring and forgiving daughter. Do you even realize how good you got it? I didn’t think so. Glad you are in the family. You keep us constantly on our toes.
By Margaret AKA Mom, AKA Grandma on Jul 11, 2007
I think Nancy is right when she describes herself as “special”. Wow…is all I can say.
Amy
By Mama Nirvana on Jul 11, 2007
Let me dispell this myth that heaveir people have more muscular legs because of the weight they carry. If this was the case I would have much larger legs than you Lampy which is not the case. In fact I think genetics really determines what areas of the body will respond best to excercise and for that matter lack of excercise. I would attribute your wife’s leg definition to the excercise and suggest you praise that progress. As far as seeing further results in other areas, it may be that she needs a specially designed workout program to address her other fitness goals.
By phillyz on Jul 11, 2007
I will disagree with your point on large people always having good legs. In my experience larger ladies often have ample amounts of “cottage cheese” to contend with. Props to The Wife for the nice calves.
By Karlmalone on Sep 3, 2007