Confessions of a libra

Trying is sexy | Credit: Here

22.05.25

I read Thando’s blog last night. Something about “Reimagining Masculinity” and I thought…well, she had some good points actually. I wasn’t comfortable with everything she said. Though I probably couldn’t articulate why if you asked me. Either way, ever since I’ve read I’ve just been considering if I could tweak my own communication skills. Just as a sort of experiment.

I arrived home after a long day’s work. My girlfriend was already in the kitchen, having changed and was preparing dinner. She was always anal about these things. But I will admit, it was soothing eating my meals on a regular schedule.

“Hey babe, how was work?” I asked, kissing her in passing.

“Good, thanks.” She said in a distracted sing song.

Fair enough, I quietly thought to myself. I placed my bag down and started taking of my clothes in succession while placing them on the ground. Time to get out of these grotty clothes! Gina was quiet today. Surely by now she’d have started spilling the tea about the girls she works with.

“Babe,” I called out.

“Yeah?” She used that tone again.

Was she actually listening to me or have I already annoyed her in some way? I peaked outside the bedroom door dramatically. Hoping to send signals from this far to stop this train wherever the hell it’s going. I just found a new shirt and chucked it on. I’ll shower later.

Returning back to the kitchen, I found her concentrating on cutting up some vegetables. You’d think she was in a domestic trance. Maybe it gives women some peace.

“Gina. What happened today? Why aren’t you telling me about ‘the girls’?” I used air quotes. She knew what I meant!

Gina didn’t look up and grabbed a frying pan. “Yeah, but you don’t really wanna know though, do you Johno?”

That one hit me in the gut. Thando’s words reverberated through me. Where you are confused by women’s behaviour, dare to ask one without assumption and accept the answer as provided. I took a deep breathing prepping myself for the most awkward exchange with my girlfriend in a  long time.

“Gina I’m sorry I haven’t me it more clear that I love hearing your work stories. I always make fun of it because…I don’t know that’s just what guys do isn’t it? But I genuinely do pay attention, trust.” I gave her a cheeky look and folded my arms dramatically. “Okay, but isn’t Kimberley the one you said kept using Jess’s soy milk?”

Gina stopped mid-travel to stare at him incredulously.

“Yeah…”she offered tenderly.

“Okay and I thought Brian you said always has that weird smell? He’s the handsy one that Patricia always shuts down in conversation?”

Gina’s eyes twinkled and she smiled. “Yeah they had another weird interaction in a meeting today. It was embarrassing for everyone involved.”

I sat by the counter where she was working from. Then I had a thought.

“Do you want me to do the frying while you finish up the cutting?” It felt awkward coming from my mouth but it’s the first time I’d ever offered.

“Yes, I would love that.” she breathed out.

I walked around and gave her a kiss. A deeper one this time. Present. I held her face for a moment longer. “I love you Gina.”