The "purse out of reach" scenario, at our house:
Herself: "When you have a moment, could you help me get something in the closet that's out of my reach?" (A normal sort of request, he knows I hate being up on ladders and even stepstools).
Himself: "Sure, as soon as I finish" (whatever he's doing).
[He shows up after a short delay, I point at what I need in the closet, he reaches it down.]
Herself: (and this is the important part) : "Thank you!"
Himself: "You're welcome."
That is why I asked Jeeves. I guess he seems to think that falling on the floor laughing is the right thing to do.
I want to be harmonious. I want to have a good relationship. But I do not want to feel like a door mat that gets tramped all over.
I see nothing wrong with that.
I would gladly help my wife if she couldn't do it.
I told her a long time ago that I will sell my soul and break my back to do anything she asks me to do.
And I will fight tooth and nail to do nothing she TELLS me to do.
What? No kiss for him?
In all seriousness, I think your scenario is very fair on both of your parts.
Linda,
I open doors, stand when she enters the room at a restaurant, help her with her coat, wash and dry the dinner dishes, treat her like a gem she is...
She treats me like a king and she loves it that way..
so do I. It gets better every year.