Nagging. I won't do it. All my married life, if I want something done, either I do it myself (yard-work) or I hire someone (home construction) or I just give up (doctor's appointments). (Even at work, I balk if I am advised to "just send a gentle reminder in email.")
So, there's a new wrinkle in my no-nagging policy since Alexa came into my house.
Pre-Alexa: I took out the trash.
Post-Alexa: I set a Tuesday evening reminder that says, "Ellen, here is your reminder. Take out the trash." The first time he heard it Gary said, "I'll do it."
"Are you sure? I usually --"
"NO IT IS MY JOB."
"News to me," I thought. "But sure, okay."
And now every Tuesday night, Alexa nags me, and he cheerfully laces up his shoes and takes out the trash.
I have a payday reminder for something that actually is his job: pay the bills. "Ellen, here is your reminder. Pay bills." He pays the bills. It isn't even a conversation any more.
I suppose I should analyze how this changes the dynamic. He loves Alexa and wants to please her? He's saving me from Alexa the evil robot boss? I don't know.
I can't see a way to get him to make medical appointments. "Ellen, get Gary's colonoscopy" doesn't work at all. I am happy about the trash and the bills, though.
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