In the post from two days ago (which was really written this morning because I’m massively behind), I said that there were only two things I remembered about Don’s ex-girlfriend, Erin. That is not true. There are actually three things I remember about her. And the third thing is another of my favorite all-time stories, because it is a perfect encapsulation of the difference between men and women. This is a short one, but it is profound.

Erin’s family was from Connecticut, not far from the city, so she went home fairly often. One week, when she was home for an extended visit, Don was supposed to drive to her parents’ place on Thursday for a long weekend. He called that day to tell her he had to work and he wouldn’t be able to come out until Saturday. She got pissed off, they got in a huge fight, and she ended up hanging up on him and ignoring his calls for the rest of the day.

The next day, she finally picked up the phone. Once again, they got into a huge fight. No matter what solution Don offered, Erin kept batting it down. Finally, at the end of his rope, he said, “Let’s just stop for a minute. I want to make this better. Whatever it takes, I will do it. Just tell me what I can do to make this better.”

Her brilliant response: “Be here yesterday.”