Secret Love Nest

Slumber Party pt3

The first question should have been my warning.

Nushi: Why are men like that? They won't admit that they are wrong.

The three of them look at me. I feel exposed.

Me: (point at myself) Oh...ah...are you asking me?

Goddess: (blandly) Is there another man in this room?

Me: (shoulder dropping) Right. I should answer that. Men...not admitting they are wrong? Huh? Because we are stupid like that. It pricked our pride to know and admit that we are wrong. Scared that people will start looking at us differently. That the respect they have for us will diminish...

JiJi: But isn't admitting a wrong, a right thing to do? We will give more respect to a man who can admit he is wrong when he is wrong.

Me: Yeah. But we don't know that. Not knowing if you will gain more respect or people will start doubting your ability makes us cling on to our pride.

Goddess: I see...very stupid indeed.

I touch the pony tail in my head. As I can't run my hand through it in frustration.

Do they plan to make me explain men to them? Dissect my mind so they can understand their husbands or lover?

JiJi: Do you guys really love your work more than your women?

I guess I am right then...

Me: (sighing. Because really, what more can I do than sigh?) I don't have a woman...(depleting after receiving annoyed looks from them) It's our need to know that we can provide for our women that push us to work harder and longer.

JiJi: But he is rich already!

Me: And you came from a rich family too. Your husband had the pressure to show your father and brother that he can provide the same lifestyle you had when you are still single and under your own family's protection so he can retain their trust and respect. Now if you would just assure him that you guys are fine and living enough with what you have, tell it to him...maybe he will consider lowering his working hours.

JiJi turned quiet.

Nushi: What about making decision between your mother and wife?

But I don't have a wife! My shoulders slumped again.

Me: Are you guys sure this is not a marriage counseling session?

Goddess and JiJi: Just answer the damn question, Dayu! (Cute neighbor!)

Me: (forced to answer) I think it will be impossible for a man like Meng to choose between his mother and wife. He loves the both of you. And honestly, you are putting him in an awkward position by leaving and coming here instead of facing the problem. I don't like it. Just thinking of you traveling alone...

JiJi: Please...women can travel alone now, you know. This is not 15th century China, Dayu.

Me: You are right. And criminals don't distinguished between men and women when doing a crime nowadays too. They won't hesitate just because you are a woman. In fact, that will give them more confidence to do what they want because they will think you are soft and weak. What if something happened to you? (Looking at Nushi) I am glad you got here safe and sound, that's wonderful. But what if it's the opposite...

Nushi: But I am fine.

Me: But that is not how a man will look at it. You leaving all by yourself means you are challenging your husband's tolerance and indulgence and patience on you. What do you expect? That they will follow you here and admit that thay are wrong? Maybe...maybe there is a chance that they will do that. But remember, if your husbands do that, you are stripping away part of their pride. Pride that they need when they go out and present themselves to their employees or bosses. Pride and confidence that they need to face other people confidently. You are stripping away their ego and pride, and for what?