The Straw That Broke The Camel's Back

"New Year. New Resolutions...."

"This year you need to stick to them. No backpedaling or dropping the ball. I'm getting sick of your..."

"Yes, I know, but can we call them goals?.... By that look, I'm thinking..."

"It doesn't matter what the hell you call them, just stick to them. I'm getting tired of getting my hopes up and then, by mid-February you abandon them. And I have to hound your ass to get anything done around here. The place looks like a pig sty."

"Just because you manage to stick to yours, doesn't mean we're all so good.... Fine. But I am not going to make as many this year."

"Well, that's a start."

"Stop grumbling.... I suspect you'll want me to..."

"It doesn't matter what I want. It matters more that you commit to something... something you want. You'll never commit to something you think I want... that is part of the problem, isn't it?"

"hmmm. That's true...

"So, what do you want?"

"A writing career."

"That's not very specific... and it's not practical."

"How do you know it's not practical?"

"My hobbies at least bring in money. Your writing just gets you off track and makes you forget about fixing dinner, cleaning the house or picking up my dry cleaning. I need a partner, and you need to pull your weight..."

"I’m learning my craft. Besides, you fix cars. That's not a hobby. That's a side business. I could make my writing a business."

"Lou, we've been together 16 years and not once have you earned money with your writing."

"I just got a story submitted in an anthology..."

"And what have your earned... nothing. That does not make a writing career. You need to be realistic. You’ll never make it as a writer."

"Thanks for the support…”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I think I do…. So, what would you suggest?'

"Something practical. A cleaning schedule. A menu plan. Something that contributes to us as a couple. Not a frivolous dream... Get your head out of the clouds and into the game."

"So, in other words, you won't be happy unless I choose to commit to something you want."

"No, that's not what I'm saying..."

"Isn't it?"

"No."

"But I know if I say anything other than set up a weekly cleaning schedule, you'll shoot it down."

"I'm just saying it needs to be practical. Something that makes both of us happy."

"I know something that would make us both happy. You could get the house as clean as you want and I could get what I want..."

"What's that?"

"A divorce."

Words = 437.

Notes: ▼

The Dialogue 500 contest - for March 2018 of the Contest Challenge
JANUARY PROMPT/Explain to your spouse how you're going to change your ways this year.
The shocked look on his face was the icing on the cake. So long Mr. Anal. Mr. Perfection. I'm outta here.