Anniversary

Mr. Waffle often refers to a story about his uncle and aunt. His uncle was asked whether he was available for some event and he said, “I can’t go, it’s my wife’s anniversary.” Obviously, it was his anniversary too but Mr. Waffle believes that this is indicative of a fundamental difference in the approach of men and women to wedding anniversaries.

Our 22nd wedding anniversary fell yesterday. The last week of July is, every year, Mr. Waffle’s busiest week of the year. I was astonished when earlier in the week he took a day off to visit his sister and her family who are back in Dublin for a holiday. He regretted it later, I can tell you. Anyway, it usually means that things are a bit stressful back at the Waffle ranch and, in general, we don’t tend to do much. I’m not particularly pushed so it’s fine really. We kind of have a truce, neither of us buys anything for the other and it’s pretty low key. Earlier this month I said, “Oh our anniversary is coming up.” “Don’t worry,” said he, “I’ve already arranged to go out for a work dinner with colleagues.” “Are you seriously trying to spin it as a good thing that on the night of our 22nd anniversary, you are going out with someone else?” Him, hopefully, “Yes?” Ladies and gentlemen, we remain married, you may congratulate me.