Why “Wife” Is A Dirty Word

by Jeanann Pannasch

And we’re both doing our best. When I know we’re settling in for a movie night, I recall what I might have worn with Andrew when I was still trying to woo him. And I’ll take off the paint-stained fleece and put on something with a sexier neckline. And if I need to go to the bathroom to pick the steak out of my teeth, I now close the door to do it. For his part, Andrew’s never again asked for the blow-by-blow of my bout with the flu. And he’s stopped watching TV in his old, worn T-shirt and boxers a la Al Bundy. Thank God.

It might seem silly to give one word such power. But for better or for worse, girlfriend signifies that he still has to work, or at least think—and wife doesn’t.

And you know what? Sometimes, ignorance is not only bliss–but a turn-on.