After my grandma passed away, I sulked around for a while, which I was allowed to do. However, there was one insufferable evening when I was annoyed at everything, frustrated, and stressed out. I had an attitude and was constantly demanding things.
My husband went to bed before I did, and he was not happy. I thought he would simply go to bed upset, and we would talk about it the next day--a habit into which we've lately fallen. But I was in for a surprise.
I decided to crawl into bed next to him and cuddle--extend an olive branch--thinking that this would soften his heart and he would return the affection before falling asleep. Instead, he sat up, scooped me over his lap, and proceeded to give me one of the longest spankings I've ever received. He even paused halfway through and told me to face the opposite way, so he could effectively even out the smacks to my poor bottom. He used one implement, but mostly his hand. It just went on and on. I'm not sure how his hand endured it.
I can't really remember the lecture, but I remember it being serious--something along the lines of changing my behavior. There was no humor or light-heartedness in it, like some of his lectures.
I was so sore. And so relieved of stress and frustration. And so surprised.
I admired him so much after that, and I told him so. I told him how surprised I was, and he said that he was a little surprised himself. He thought about just going to sleep, but decided to try something else instead--something he knew I needed.
I was so, so glad he did.
