Good Relationships Are Better Than Good, They're ...

My wife has recently become employed after our move to a much larger city. We moved because my job moved - either move or become unemployed. Easy choice, huh?

So she came back today after her third day of working and her first day with her new schedule - one that means that she comes home about an hour and a half later than I do.

For the past 2 months, my wife has been dutifully fulfilling the roles that a non-working spouse should: basically everything regarding maintaining the household. And trust me, I've appreciated it.

But now that she's working, I need to pull my weight. So, before she got home, I emptied the dishwasher, loaded it full of dishes, and started cooking dinner. Because my ex-housewife (now just "wife") had so much extra time, she got into raiding in World of Warcraft. Becoming a part of a team isn't something you can just stop doing, so she had to run off to join her raid after she got home tonight.

We didn't get to do the usual bonding time that we're used to when I come home from work. Instead, she scuttled off (freshly-made-plate of Chicken Alfredo in hand) to join her raid with her guild.

After I cleaned up a bit and went to my office, the following conversation took place over Google Chat: (reposted with assumed permission)

Wife: Are you OK with me still raiding now that I'm working and might not be home til 630 or 7 some nights?

Me: Of course

I know how to find you when I need you

Wife: OK. I don't want you to feel unloved or neglected

Me: No, but I will let you know if I feel that way. Thank you for being mindful - that means a lot.

Like - A LOT.

You're an awesome wife

Wife: :D

I felt bad just running upstairs after unloading my whole day onto you

and after you'd cooked dinner and did the dishes

Me: It's ok - we have a give-and-take relationship

Wife: I give you shit

and you take it out of my ass

I am so in love with this woman.