The Mistress


It’s been going on since before we were married.  It started out of peer pressure, because everyone he knew was doing it.  At first, I think it felt almost like work for him, but then it developed into real passion.

She became an official mistress about 20 years ago, when we were living in another state.  No one knew us, and there was anonymity in our small Texas town.  If he took off for a couple of hours, no one would notice, and I certainly wouldn’t ask around in public to find out where he’d been.

A couple of times over the years, I think he’s wanted to stop.  But the desire always came back.  So much so that I finally acknowledged it was part of him, and accepted it.

I got resentful when she took time away from me, but he always seemed to return a better man.  It was as though she fulfilled a physical need and a spiritual one, both things he just couldn’t find with me.

Their times ranged from quickies in the afternoon to marathons lasting almost a full day.  But even the briefest encounter could help him clear his mind and regain perspective.  Seemed like a paradox to me, but I really didn’t have a choice.  I even tried to join them a few times, but it just wasn’t right, and I retreated to give them their time.

They go all over together.  Exploring unique parts of the city, and occasionally even traveling.  I’ve learned not to try to talk him out of it once he’s got his mind set on it.

This morning when he said he was going out to spend time with her, I sighed.  I had other plans for the day.  But they’d have to wait.  He needed her.

So I gave him my blessing, and he put on his shoes, and went running.

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66 thoughts on “The Mistress

  1. Kate Hall

    Wow, that was cool! I loved reading this. Great writing. I wish I had a mistress like that. Mine tends to be more of the “make you fatter” kind, like chocolate, Crunch & Munch, Bugles, etc. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Pingback: A book giveaway and a cover not-so-reveal « The Monster in Your Closet

  3. vinobaby

    I’m still jealous of my Hubby’s mistress: soccer. I must learn to grow-up and let him go … except now he’s introduced him to my son. Some days I feel as if I’ll lose them both to the siren….

    Reply
  4. chosenchaosblog

    I have such a love hate relationship with my mistress. I do love it when my husband and I can do a 3-some with her though. Kind of makes it worth it. Kind of.

    Reply
  5. Kristin @ What She Said

    Oh, the life of a wife of a runner – I know it well! Sometimes my husband would slip out of our warm bed on a Saturday morning before the sun even came up to go be with his Mistress. For me, those were the hardest encounters to accept.

    I endured four years and seven marathons before back surgery caused him to give her up. I know he still misses her; he somehow seems incomplete without her. And I don’t know what to do about that.

    Excellent post!

    Reply
    1. Lisha Post author

      I’m sorry he had to give her up that way. It probably makes the longing even stronger! Perhaps power walking could fill the void?

      Reply
    1. Lisha Post author

      I’m willing to bet someone feels the same way about her. Unless you have kids and you take them fishing. Then it would be a good thing. 🙂

      I’m so glad you stopped by! Come back soon. 🙂

      Reply
    1. Lisha Post author

      Glad you liked it! Sometimes I labor for hours, and sometimes it takes 5 minutes. I guess I’ve been writing that one in my head for years!

      Reply
  6. Non-Stop Mom

    I love this post – since I just started running and The Dude doesn’t, I can understand from both sides. I hate that I’m sick and can’t go now – I can’t wait to get back out there. It can truly be a mind-clearing thing. I “brain dump” while I’m out there. Great post!!!

    🙂
    Amy

    Reply
  7. Stacey

    My husband had a salty mistress. Tempestuous and Treacherous…but love her he did…so how could I deny the one I loved the most, the one thing he truly desired?!

    Reply
    1. Lisha Post author

      If you’re speaking of an actual mistress, I’m very sorry. If it’s a beautiful line of prose, I’m impressed.

      I’ll hop over to your site. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Mary Ann

    Nice post. You drew me in right away, and kept me reading! It’s definitely good to give your husband space. Mine golfs, so I know how you feel! It makes him happy:)

    Reply
    1. Lisha Post author

      I’m quite flattered! It took me many years to embrace her, but I finally have, and our marriage has been the beneficiary!

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

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