It’s a classic double standard: When we want to go away for a girls’ weekend, we just go. When you want to go away on a boys’ weekend, however, it’s not so easy. Think you can mention it casually on Wednesday night? Ha. If we don’t forbid you outright, we’ll hold a grudge for so long that no pond hockey tournament or foosball weekend will be worth the pain you’ll endure when you get home.
A weekend escape is, however, possible. But as with all bad news, you’ve got to sugar coat it. You’ve got to let us down gently. And then pray that we take it well. Some tips:
1. Lay the foundation early. When the date finally rolls around, I’ll have known about it for ages, so I can’t possibly get upset about it. (Note: I might still get upset about it.)
2. Tailor your plans to my schedule. If I’ve got a packed weekend planned, mobilize your boys. The busier I am, the less time I have to dwell.
3. Prioritize. Casino weekend with guys I’ve never heard of? That’s worth three weekends away with friends I like – and trust.
4. Make it sound official. Even if you’re just playing poker, call it an “annual memorial tournament” or something. I don’t want you going away for something frivolous. If it’s pulling you away, it’d better be a big deal.
5. Call when you say you’ll call and tell me that you miss me. Even if you don’t.
Image courtesy of kk+.
you know.. i just don’t think women are worth the effort anymore
one word comes to mind: spoiled
whew, bossy much? you must’ve had some pretty milquetoasty boyfriends to give you the impression you could lay down all these decrees and ultimatums. I have a very healthy 17-year relationship. I say “Is it OK with you if I play poker on Friday?” She says “Sure.” Whence and wherefore all the rest of this double-dealing, bartering, and bet-hedging?
Wow, the last several XXONXY have left me literally speechless. Do women like this really exist?! Do they get away with it?! And finally… should I lose my faith in malekind? I mean, what kind of man would even take this emasculation, leave alone on a long term basis?
I agree with the first two comments. Here’s my advice on How to Get Away with the Boys: don’t date any woman who acts like Alexia. A solid woman – one who acts like a partner – should welcome you spending good time with friends, and perhaps even encourage it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, no?
A healthy relationship doesn’t require all of these ridiculous rules. Period. There are (usually) two people involved, each of whom have his or her own unique interests. If one partner doesn’t realize that important fact, the relationship in my opinion is doomed. I fully expect my partner to have her own hobbies and occasional night outs without requiring my “permission” to pursue them. And I expect the same in return. It wasn’t always this way though.
Did I mention my wife divorced me? 🙂
I think the article may have been a little tongue-in-cheek (or at least I hope). A good solid relationship will have trust and communication. So both parties will know when one is planning an outing or weekend. Last minute plans can be had too, as long as this works both ways.
If the guy is ‘whipped’, then your article has found its audience.
Lady, you’re trippin’. I’d go and probably not come back.