This Is Us
What Women Don’t Say
A conversation might sound one-sided, but there’s more beneath the surface than you’d think
Here’s a conversation.
Him: Oh, you’re home. I had a shitty day at work. [Slams door.]
Her: What happened?
Him: They’re restructuring the deal. This means I have to do a fresh set of due diligences. Fucking brutal. I’m going to be at the office till late every single fucking day this month.
Her: Oh, that’s awful.
Him: Awful? That’s the best you could come up with? Never mind the fact that I haven’t gotten any sleep in, oh, weeks and weeks. I’m running on empty. Less than empty.
Her: I’m sorry, baby. That’s so difficult.
Him: I should just quit. But then how the fuck would we afford the new place? Not with your job—we couldn’t make the rent. And in this fucking economy, Lord knows how long it would take me to find another job. If I even got one at all. Who wants a fortysomething dude?
Her: Lots of people! You have a great résumé and work experi—
Him: Hah. They just hired a 26-year-old. Making more than I make. Fuck me, right? What do I have to bring to the table?