The two year thing was just off the cuff - paint lasts minimum 5 years in our house.
The alpha guy was alpha because he was clear about what he would and wouldn't do without pissing her off. He didn't mind helping her think about colours, but he was clear he wasn't about to jump right in and just do the job. As a result of which she could easily see things from his point of view and volunteered to get started on the job herself. What's princessy about that?
I just know that when my kids start day-dreaming about stuff I play along before I lay down boundaries for them. A flat no leads to rebellion, taking an interest in what they're thinking about brings them on side and ready to listen to you talk about when, how or if it might happen.
You sure sounded pissed off Lou, is she really yanking your chain that bad at the moment?
BTW this is not a conversation that would happen in our house. In our house it would go H: I hate this house it's so depressing Me: Is that why you're never here? H: pretty much Me: OK well we could decorate or something if you like. H: Humph! (pained look like it's all so much trouble he might as well just go end it all now). Me: Well you don't have to do it, I don't mind doing it. If you're miserable about the way things are now some lighter colours might freshen things up. H: Yeah, the colours are way too dark and dismal. Me: I've seen a website where they've got a colour-planning tool shall we have a play with it? H: Oh don't worry love, you're good at colours and stuff you may as well decide. (Disappear out back for a cigarette. Shouts over shoulder) - You can't do it all yourself you better get the decorators in. Me: But that would cost an arm and a leg, I can quite easily manage. H: We've got the money, just get the decorators in, you'll only bodge it if you do it. Me:
Fran
if we can be sufficient to ourselves, we need fear no entangling webs Erica Jong
