Procuring coveted item can call for some charm

Opinion

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I told my wife I went all last summer wanting a hanging basket “cove” chair, but didn’t buy one. Why? Because she (the almighty dictator) said $1,495 was too much for my “spacecraft designed” chair that makes you feel like you’re floating in the clouds.

I would go try one out in a store after a bad day and start nodding off in minutes. Do marriage partners have the right to deny you an expensive item you really want?

— So Annoyed, East Kildonan

Dear Annoyed: Do what my dear old dad, Bill Scurfield did in this kind of situation. Make it a treat and bring it home proudly. Having paid for it on your own, you quickly bring it in and install it. For instance, my dad’s mint-and-emerald-green ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air sedan comes to mind — sitting out in the driveway in Manitou.

That beautiful car suddenly appeared and dad was proudly taking everybody for rides in it for the next week. I seriously doubt my conservative mom Cynthia would have chosen a flashy car to go with the already bright greenhouse.

On second thought, dad’s decisive car choice may have inspired his wife to suddenly choose the charcoal-and-pink bedroom drapes that went up a week later, and the powder-pink bathroom to go with it.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I met a girl alone, running the same trail near the zoo as I usually do. I asked her if she wanted to run with me for company.

We had a nice time and sat down at the end to talk a bit. I thought she was very attractive — and she wasn’t wearing a ring either.

At the end, I asked her for her name and phone number, and she gave it to me, no hesitation! But, then she said, “That’s the home phone, so be careful. My husband might pick it up!”

What the heck was that supposed to mean, and why didn’t she give me her cellphone number, if her husband is a jealous guy?

Then she just waved and jogged off to her car.

Was she flirting with me? What happened there?

— Don’t Understand Her Moves, The Park

Dear Don’t Understand: This woman made a point of mentioning her husband, so perhaps she just enjoyed your company, but wanted you to know that’s all she’s after.

Still, it’s annoying of her to warn you of her husband. So, don’t bother calling her to initiate meetings for more runs.

If you run into her again, and you run with her again for a little company, don’t ask her personal questions.

Runs definitely go more quickly with someone along for company, and it’s safer for a woman to run with a companion in the woods. It could possibly work out for both of you, if you can just keep it light.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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