The Ring
Dear Frankie,
Hank and I have been dating for two years.
Just before my birthday, Hank’s sister, Hilary, told me he bought me a present that would knock my socks off. I begged her to tell me what it was, but she said Hank would kill her if she let the cat out of the bag. This was the first I heard about them having a cat. I still can’t figure out why they would keep it in a bag.
After much thought about the present, it hit me: Hank was getting me a ring. I made an appointment that afternoon for a pedicure the day before my birthday. When Hank arrived on my big day, he told me to close my eyes and led me to the back porch. When I opened them, I saw a pink scooter in the backyard.
I asked him, “What is that scooter doing there?”
He said, “It’s for you, silly. Happy Birthday.”
When he saw the look on my face, he said he wasn’t up for an argument and left. I haven’t heard from him since then. Why would he choose a scooter, and a pink one no less, over a ring?
Blanche
Dear Blanche,
Blanche, Hank didn’t choose a scooter over a ring. The ring was a figment of your imagination. You guessed the present was a ring. Once you decided that, you acted on it as if it were a done deal and went so far as to make a pedicure appointment.
You never considered that your guess might not be correct. When you didn’t get the gift you expected, you blamed Hank.
The next time you speculate on an outcome, I recommend you consider it a possibility rather than a certainty. It will save you a lot of heartache.
If Hank ever speaks to you again, you owe him an explanation and an apology. As for the scooter, if Hank decides to sell it, I would be interested.
Best, Frankie
© 2025 Geneva Woodruff
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