...for saving my marriage.You see, before my life was vastly different. Or, perhaps I should say, Peter's life was vastly different. Our evenings usually went as follows:
Peter: (looking longingly at his Playstation) Honey, how's that new book going? I saw you reading it earlier, would you maybe want to do that tonight? I could light a fire for you and make you a cup of tea...
Melanie: I finished it. I need to get to the library more often, I have nothing to read. Do you want to watch a movie?
Peter: I don't know, we've seen everything we have. How about a nice long bath for you? I could run you a bath, pour you a glass of wine... (now he's openly staring at the Playstation with unabashed longing.)
Melanie: I showered this morning, and it's so late, I don't want to go to bed with wet hair...
Peter: Okay. Why don't we go to bed? (this is agreed to...fast forward five minutes)
Melanie: Where are you going? Aren't you tired?
Peter: Not really. Umm... maybe I could play some Madden while you sleep?
Melanie: Yep, I guess you'd better.
I really wasn't that mean about it, and I'd like to think I'm better than a lot of women on the issue of video games (all women but Carlie.) It wasn't that I didn't like him to play, it's just more difficult to amuse me for that much time all by myself. I usually cleaned, or went to bed by myself, which I like much less than cleaning.
NOT SO ANYMORE!
Melanie: Babe, when was the last time you got some good Madden time in? Isn't it time to begin a new season? (NOTE: if you've never played Madden, this is the LONGEST part of the game. You have to draft players just like real football, organize your team, run practices, and then, just to be sure you did it all right, play a pre-season game, oh, and look for an hour at your stats. It takes literally hours and you can't turn it off in the middle.)
Peter: Yeah, I guess it is. Eric did give me the newest Madden, and I haven't played very much yet. You wouldn't mind? Do you want some tea first, or your book, or....wait a second! Wait one second! This is about Dr. McDreamy isn't it?! You have a crush on him!
Melanie: No! Well, yes a little. But he's not real, so it doesn't matter right?
Peter: I don't know. How much Madden can I play?
Melanie: Oh, I'll be occupied for a good couple of hours, maybe three...
Peter: (while getting settled with his beloved controller) You're sure you don't have a crush on that guy?
Melanie: Honey, he's not a man. He's a fictional character created from the mind of a woman. I get it. There's no reality lapse here for me. I love you.
Peter: (now running screen plays and fully distracted). Yep, uh huh.... you too babe.
We're happy. We're snuggled on the couch, he's playing his game and I'm loving every episode. My imaginary crush on Dr. McDreamy may have just saved my marriage.
