Ever Heard Your Spouse or Partner Talking to the TV, Knew You Should Not Intervene, But Did Anyway? [View all]

[Kennah]

I will admit that in the past I have argued with someone on television, even though I KNEW they could not hear me. Perhaps at 45 I have finally mellowed to the point that I more often than not walk away from useless shit, and I watch almost NO television anymore.

In February, shortly before Governor Gregoire signed a bill legalizing same sex marriage, my wife was talking to the television during the 11 PM local news. I missed the comments to which she reacted, but I then tuned in to realize she seemed somewhat angry over talk of legalizing same sex marriage. I was confused as I knew she'd said repeatedly, despite being a still professed Republican, "You can't help who you fall in love with." I always resisted observing that she'd ended a sentence with a preposition as I agreed with the sentiment.

I quietly listened and waited. My wife resumed her monologue with the television. She was almost incredulous that a bill was being discussed to legalize same sex marriage.

I was still confused and venturing into a conversation with one’s spouse when it could turn argumentative for no apparent reason seemed more than foolish. I continued to listen.

Then she said something that gave me context. “Why is the government telling people who they can marry?”

OK, now I am following her. She is riled up at the very notion of government telling two adult they cannot marry—not a bill to change that—and essentially demanding to know why it is even necessary to pass such a law. We are very much in agreement, so now I’m feeling like I can wade out into this pond.

Me: Well, right now, a same sex couple cannot get married in Washington. This bill will change that and allow it.
Her: Yeah, but why is it even necessary. What business is it of the government telling two people they can’t get married?
Me: I agree, but that is the law right now, and this bill will change that.
Her: Why is this even news?
Me: It will probably be challenged with a voter Initiative, so there will probably have to be a vote on it by the people in November. It is not over yet.
Her: Who is going to challenge it, and why?
Me: There are people who are opposed to it, for various reasons, so there needs to be a law change, and we will have to go through this process, since it will probably end up in court.
Her: Well, they need to get over it.

There was still agitation in her voice, which could have easily been dumped all over me, so this seemed a good place to retreat in silent agreement from the discussion. Afterwards, I thought, "Why the fuck did I speak up at all in the beginning of her diatribe?"

1 vote, 0 passes | Time left: Time expired
	Yes, I live on the edge and welcome the firefight
	1 (100%)
	No, I understand when to exercise my right to remain silent
	0 (0%)
	I say no to TV
	0 (0%)
	I prefer cats
	0 (0%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
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