Dear NSTBXH,
To 'celebrate' six weeks of freedom, you treated me to a haircut. It's still long, as you like (liked?) it but I have toyed with the idea of doing something radical with it, like cutting it off. It's not just that it would be a symbolic act to demonstrate the change in me, but long hair is much more expensive to take care of than short hair, and I'm feeling the need to economise.
I also need new clothes thanks to the effects of the divorce diet. So my expenses just keep on coming.
Your maintenance payment is delayed the post, I presume?
Anyway, my little trip out got me to thinking about Samson and Delilah. In short it's a story you'll like - the woman is to blame.
You see Samson had a lot of power. For reasons that escape me, Delilah, who was his life partner, betrayed him to his enemies by telling them of the source of his strength - his long hair. As a result, his enemies cut off his hair and his power was diminished. I've no idea if he ever forgave her. Apparently she was very remorseful though.
But then, I wondered what would happen if it was Delilah's version of events that were recorded?
What happens if it turned out Samson was a bit of a megalomaniac? The kind of man who likes to control everything; a person who makes unilateral decisions without regard for others? A man who fervently believes his way is best, and will anger at anyone who dares to suggest otherwise. You know, the kind of man who believes it is his right to decide outcomes and will do anything to ensure that he gets what he wants. A man who believes he is right and everyone else is to blame.
The problem with having to make decisions is that they invoke the law of unintended consequences. You see Samson chose to tell Delilah his secret. She chose to tell his enemies. Neither of them wanted the outcome that resulted.
Now what really really happens if one makes unilateral decisions, without consulting others, in the fervent belief they are right to do so?
Just for the record though, it feels a little wrong to disparage Samson.
And I'm not going to say you are Samson, notably because age has robbed you of your hair, and regrown it in your ears. Something, thankfully I shall never see again.
But, at least having ear hair explains why you are deaf to reason.
Anyway, back to my little parable. Samson, trusted his life partner with his most powerful secret. She, having ears free of wiry hair, listened and then opened her fat mouth. Kind of makes me wonder about Samson now. I mean, just what the fuck did he do to deserve that? I mean, clearly Delilah is the wrong-doer, she's the bloody woman. It is clear as day, as Samson can do no wrong, he is always right, and he is the victim of her actions, it has got to be Delilah's fault, right?
Anyway enough of the biblicism. Any Christian charity I have for you is diminishing at the same rate of knots as my bank balance.
Oh, and I've been consulting with others. I suspect now, you'll want to appoint a solicitor. You may find you need two.
Yours,
The wife, who, like your ear hair, remains something you have not mastered.
PS The story had a happy ending. Samson's hair grew back and he recovered his strength, which is why I didn't do anything radical with my hair today. It has become it's own symbolism. I need all the strength I have to get through this, and it's growing daily.