Normal is a wonderful word Katy. If we're \"normal\" it isn't our fault, everyone else is \"normal\" too. What if you were said to be \"indecisive\"? Again our wonderful language provides an answer. You are not indecisive, you're \"flexible\"! There's always a positive!
Bertrand Russell, on a BBC radio program called the Brains Trust, gave the following “conjugation” of an “irregular Verb”.
I am firm.
You are obstinate.
He is a pig-headed fool.
My point is, do not let any other person determine your value in YOUR mind. Rant over.
And to Shhh sugar, being a male I can identify with your partner's purchasing decision. You asked for BBQ sauce, he got BBQ sauce! And your point is? Just kidding. I am always amused by the antics of my sister and her husband, a couple on the same train going different directions. It is true that women think differently to men. Men are not subtle. If you want something, ask for it, don't hint, don't get exasperated. If you want Cornish's Worcestershire sauce, write it down and he'll bring it home. (Unless there isn't any at the pub he shops at. So best you write down the shop as well.)
I forgot to ask. What's wrong with BBQ sauce made with Jack Daniels? Sounds great to me!
If your student card is 10 years out of date, and the age for these purposes is 18, then you have just received a compliment, intended or not. I sometimes serve customers as manager of a busy truckstop, and I often ask women in their 30's, 40's, 50's, (with a cheeky grin), for ID if they want to buy smokes. Some just laugh and float out the door, others gape and then realise it's just a bit of fun to lighten the day, some blush and feel great about themselves and it's obvious their partner's vocab does not include the word \"compliment.\" It is an opportunity for me to see a smile of genuine happiness on another human being's face. I should add that I recently asked a young girl for ID and felt ridiculous when she proved she was 34! And I really thought she was under 18. My 60 year old female console operator standing next to me agreed that she would also have asked, so sometimes it is hard to tell, and the fines for selling tobacco to kids are severe. My biggest problem at 56 is not realising the 12 year olds are not 30!
So if you are trim taut an' terrific at 30-ish, love your partner because he's ... normal!