Where is the man I married?

Byron and I dated for quite a few years before we got married, and I would have felt comfortable saying that I knew him very well. In fact, getting married was not even the huge transition I expected it to be, since we knew each other so well there were almost no surprises as we began our married life. However, people do say that spouses can change over time, "letting themselves go," if you will. Well, it has happened to me. This is a sight I never expected to see:

He didn't even stop reading when I got out the camera. I was not being stealthy.

I am the book worm in the family, and I hold that title proudly. You might wonder why I'm not more happy and excited about Byron's new-found interest in literature. And in theory, I would have welcomed the change. However, I now have new understanding of why Byron gets irritated when I become immersed in a book and never want to stop reading. It is boring for the other person! I was forced to reduce myself to pestering, tickling and talking nonstop about nonsense in an effort to hold his attention. A failed effort.

So I eventually decided to be the bigger person, and settled down to read a book of my own. But when Byron finished reading his book, I realized my folly - I had unleashed a monster. Now the pestering, tickling and talking nonstop was directed at me. As a result, I have concluded that it is much more amusing when you are the pesterer and much more irritating that the pesteree. How something that is so endearing, humorous and silly when I do it can become quite the opposite when Byron does it is a mystery to me.

And the worst part is, I'm the one who got him the book and encouraged him to read it!! So for anyone out there hoping their husbands will change, improve or begin to share more of their interests, please, just enjoy the status quo.