I’m a Star Wars husband married to a Lifetime movie wife. This weekend, TNT ran a back-to-back Star Wars marathon. I was ecstatic. My wife…not so much.
When I got married, I didn’t realize our marriage would suffer from MDD…Movie Disagreement Disorder. It’s a very common disorder, found in most marriages.
Some of the symptoms of MDD are:
- Not going to the movies much, because you can’t agree on what to see.
- Trying to be the first one to get the TV remote.
- Spending time in the other room, because you don’t like what they’re watching.
- Downloading more movies to your mobile device for individual viewing.
I hate to tell you this, but there is no cure for Movie Disagreement Disorder. Believe me, my wife and I have spent over three decades trying to find a cure.
All you can do is manage the symptoms. How? It’s not rocket science. Sometimes you give in and watch what they want to watch. Sometimes they give in and watch what you want to watch. And sometimes you watch things separately.
Yeah, it sounds simple enough, but how do you make it through those times when you’re watching what they want to watch and it feels like dying a slow death? If it’s your time to give in and watch their movie, remember the following:
- It’s a gift. When you give someone a gift, you give them something they want…not something you want.
- It’s an investment. It’s like changing the oil in your car or cleaning out your vacuum cleaner. You may not want to do it, but it will keep things running smoother.
- It’s better than fighting. A movie only last about two hours, but some fights can go on for days.
- It’s not like you don’t know how to do this. Think back to when you were dating. Then, you cared more about the person you were with than the movie you were watching. You can do it again. (This one steps on my toes.)
Finally, one last tip. Remember to sit next to your spouse when you’re watching that movie you don’t like. That way, when you check out and fall asleep you can say, “I’m sorry, but being close to you is just so relaxing.”
Good luck, and may the force be with you.
Copyright © 2014 Bret Legg