Wonder what you think of this. I am in her kitchen, cooking dinner for us. I need tarragon, which we are both sure will be in her massive herb rack (of which she is very proud). It isn't. I say "You could go and get some from the Coop" (not more than 5 mins away on foot, 2 in the car). She says "Oh I'm not going just for that, can't you use something else?" I am stumped, both at the refusal, and at what to substitute (tarragon and burned-off alcohol give the dish its distinctive sharp taste). Anyway, I use thyme and basil and it turns out ok - but not as good as with tarragon.
After the meal, we have a blazing row - about something completely different, and it turns out to be the end of the affair (my decision). Now I'm wondering if my 'stumpedness' at her refusal affected the development of the row... BTW I don't regret the end of the relationship.