Every spouse knows the look. The one your partner has before saying something they know is going to fly like a concrete kite. I got that look a couple of nights ago. And to no surprise it involved one of an athlete’s biggest lies: I’m done with races for (X) months.
After USAT Nationals my wife said she only had 1 race left for the year. As soon as she starting talking I knew that list was going to grow. I get it- it’s for charity, it involves the people from a TV show she likes, it’s close to some of her family…yeah yeah yeah. I’m not even annoyed she wants to do it. It fits our schedule and if the situation was reversed and I had a chance at another knife show I’d jump on it. I just wish her (and other athletes for that matter) would be honest with themselves. In her case- that there is no way in hell she’s going 3 months without some kind of race to do.
This is her hobby, her favorite activity, and outside of her time with family what she loves most to do. There will always be the search for the next race, the next goal, the next milestone. That’s not unique to athletes- in my shop I strive to make the knife I’m working on better than the one I just finished. I just wish she would stop saying “I’m done for a while” when I know damn well that will last just till the next one comes along.
Is she being selfish? Of course- the same way I’m selfish when I go to a knife show for a weekend. In order to be balanced there has to be times that are for you. As part of a couple you do things for yourself- cook a meal you like, do a sexual position you like better, watch your TV show, etc. The trick is making sure your partner has equal opportunity to do the same. She does a good job of making her sure her selfish moments aren’t interfering with what’s more important, and I hope I’m doing as good of a job.
Will she run the race? Yep. Will she enjoy herself? Yes. Will I roll my eyes and think “Yeah right” the next time she says she’s taking a break from events for a while? Definitely. Will I be happy for her afterwards? Of course- just like she’s happy for me when I enjoy a knife show. Now if I could just get her to admit she starts looking for a new event 72 hours after she finishes the last one.
Thanks
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