Over the weekend, my “honey do” list included dropping off dry cleaning, figuring out once and for all which shrubs to replace after the big snow, and attending our family Easter celebration. Fine, easy enough. Brian completed these flawlessly. Actually, they were all his “to do” list items but I just like pretending that I boss him around. Anyway.
In the new book Committed, author Elizabeth Gilbert cites a recent study of women in which “inspire me” topped the list of desired characteristics in a husband. Before cracking this book, I clearly wasn’t aiming high enough with ”wash my car”. But, this little tidbit stuck. I’d never heard it articulated in that way.
After some reflection, I figured that one’s ability to inspire others is an admirable characteristic across many roles– parent, coach, boss, teacher, Bob from Biggest Loser, etc. What struck me is the responsibilities bleeding across the various relationships in our lives. If you follow the logic, Brian should be a one-stop-shop for emotional and motivational needs. And, in turn, me for him.
This isn’t to say that this “inspire” role is an exclusive deal. Either way, though, it seems hard.
