Quoting eskb: OK, maybe I'm parsing her language too closely here. I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. I shouldn't get in a tizzy over every misspoken syllable. But do you see what I mean about how the words "trying to" changes a seeming commitment into a weak "maybe"? Would you give someone a loan if they said, "I agree to try to pay it back"? Yes, on the one hand, trying is all you can do, but commitment is all about performance, not effort. I know that I'm pushing too hard for language being a perfect translation of thought, but still...
Brian -- Honestly? I see what you mean and I still disagree
The difference between your loan example and the conversation with your w. about your m. is that the LOAN is entirely within one persons control to pay back or not pay back. Your w. CAN'T make the m. work on her own. She really can't. I don't know....I may completely wrong about her intent, too, but I don't think it's weak or ineffective or whatever for her to have used the word "try". I'm "trying" to make MY m. work...I'm NOT making it work. Really.
Sage
Relax. Appreciate. Be calm. Laugh. Enjoy. Be secure. Be loving. Be loved. Don't personalize. Don't ASSume. Accept. Be grateful.
