18 Comments
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Chad Smith's avatar

Being married to a wickedly good editor myself, I relate to this essay on so many levels.

Rick Lewis's avatar

Funny, someone else commented how relatable it was, and it didn't dawn on me that there are probably a lot of writers in the similar position.

Chad Smith's avatar

Right! And I cannot even begin to describe the debt I owe my wife in making me a better writer

Rick Lewis's avatar

Now I'm the one who can relate.

Henny Hiemenz's avatar

My wife is by no means a professional editor, but I have learned (the hard way) not to ask for her editorial opinion 🤣

Rick Lewis's avatar

I'm starting to think I might not a representative from the Gottman Institute to respond properly to some of these comments.

Matthew Gray's avatar

* Marriage rule #27: never mix edits and endearments, unless you want to discover you’re a “good hooker.”

Rick Lewis's avatar

Just when I think I must have learned all the rules by now, there's a new one.

Elizabeth Neiman's avatar

Just lovely. Made me chuckle.

Rick Lewis's avatar

Awesome Elizabeth. Thanks for telling me it spread some delight.

Ishan Shanavas's avatar

Funnily enough, this essay has one of the best hooks I've seen XD

Rick Lewis's avatar

Maybe the heart of marketing is just the truth? : )

Maryan Pelland Pen2Profit's avatar

What a dead-on characterization about a decent marriage. Loved it. The editor/writer part is just a side-bar--the wisdom is universal.

Rick Lewis's avatar

Thank you Maryan. Clearly, you have one.

Genie Joseph's avatar

This is wonderful. How hasn't done that? Asked someone to read something we are convinced is brilliant, but want someone else to say it -- and asked them at the wrong time. Love the ending where you recognize when she reads on her own time, it is competely different.

Rick Lewis's avatar

ha ha, I like the way you boiled it down to the truth, that we want someone else to say, "That's brilliant!" And what utter deflation when they look at you with a blank stare, or worse, criticism. : )

Rachel Parker's avatar

Loved this realistic and sweet glimpse into marriage. It was a fun ride as a reader, equal parts funny and wise.

Rick Lewis's avatar

Thanks Rachel. Cherishing the lighter moments is part of what keeps the bond working isn't it?