Real Stories - May 2005

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Trips to the market were usually embarrassing. Anna would prepare a detailed shopping list and walk briskly through the market as I struggled behind with the shopping cart. When she was finished selecting her items, she would walk home (we lived only one block away) and leave me to stand in line and pay for them. I was also solely responsible for transporting all the items home and putting them away. I was not allowed to add anything to her shopping list - instead, she insisted that I make a separate trip to the market on my own, at a time of her convenience (i.e., when she was out with friends or erstwhile occupied), should I want any food or domestic items of my own choosing. Initially I thought that this policy was a bit harsh but I gradually accepted it. After a short period of lifestyle adjustment on my part, I began to draw strength from Annas firm and unyielding nature, and subtly encouraged her to be even more strict. In a strange way, I found satisfaction in the continually evolving challenge of demonstrating my obedience and willingness to appease her, however absurd her demands could be.