Living with a pusher

I was walking on the beach with my hubby and my dog yesterday and having a great time. We walked a ways in the freezing sand in my bare feet. I told Tom I'd like to turn back when we reached about about half the distance would normally walk. My feet were aching a bit from the really cold sand and they already had sore spots from walking around in heels all afternoon & evening the day before.

He was really nice about it because he understood I didn't want to make my feet sore to the point where I couldn't run or hike the next day. However, and this is the big BUT, he also didn't feel like he or the dog had gotten enough excercise.

So the pushing began....

First it was, "Let's run back." So I said okay and started jogging. He and dog ran (those of you who run certainly know the difference) and, since I had already showered and dressed for the day I had no intention of getting all sweaty so I just jogged.

The pushing continued....

We reached our starting point and it was, "Let's walk to cool the dog down." Again I said okay, after all, the dog does need to cool down. So we walked.

And there was more pushing....

After a few minutes I said I wanted to head back to the car and he says, "Let's just walk to the sign over there". I say okay.

And she puts a stop to the pushing....

So we walk, and when we reach the sign he keeps on walking This is the point where I said no - I'm done, I have work to do and I want to go home. Of course Tom pleasantly agreed and we headed back to the car and on home.

What was fascinating was to watch the pushing. I know he does this when it comes to excercise. I'm sure I do it to him in other areas. But what I saw today was 2 things:

• The benefit of living with a pusher. He gets me to do more than I would have done by myself. I know it's true (and sometimes that annoys me too :) Having someone to push you can be a real help.
• If I keep going it is my choice. He may push me, but I'm the one who's letting him. If I don't want to do it all I have to do is say no.