Fall is the best time of year to be married to a man who takes pride in his yard.
We live on three acres with a lot of trees. In summer, it’s beautiful. When the leaves turn, it’s still beautiful. And then they fall, and my husband begins a battle he cannot win. I mean that literally. Three acres of trees means it is 100% impossible to ever be done, and yet he tries, because he’s a man who wants his yard looking right.
I give him full credit. The man works hard out there.
I also have a hobby.
Whenever he finishes the leaves, it doesn’t matter if it’s Saturday or a random Monday, I wait until the next day. Then, with the casual energy of someone who has noticed a minor household issue, I say, “Babe, we really need to clean up these leaves.”
Every time, the reaction is perfect.
“I just did this.”
Then comes the pout. Then the sigh. Occasionally a full grown man fit, out in the yard, directed at a tree. I do this maybe twice a week, and it never gets old. He always falls for it, even though he knows I do it.
If you’ve never tried this, I highly recommend it. It’s low effort and high reward. You get to watch your husband’s frustration build in real time, and then you get the commentary, which is my favorite part.
“I hate this season. There are a million leaves.”
Sir, there are about a million leaves, yes. They’re also coming back next year.
I love him. He knows I love him. Is he going to find a way to get me back? Probably. I accept that risk.
Happy fall to everyone married to a yard guy.
Do you have a seasonal way of messing with your spouse? Tell me yours in the comments, I need new material.
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