Sounds Like A Net Positive!

My husband and I work for different companies, but both are overly motivating and overly praising. Whenever someone does something, it gets met with praise. While I know a lot of people appreciate getting some sort of recognition, my husband and I are tired of getting praised as if we’ve solved world hunger after handing in an assignment or bringing a cup of coffee. I know a lot of companies don’t care for their employees, so I know I sound like a spoiled person. 

This has resulted in us playfully mocking each other whenever one of us does something small. We have the same type of humor, so neither is offended by it. 

One day, we visit my mother-in-law. Her husband is working in the garden. Everything goes calmly, and my husband decides to get up and get a cup of tea. As a force of habit, I blurt out:

Me: “I believe in you! Go for it! I’m proud of you!”

I do say this kind of deadpan, and my mother-in-law looks up with a serious expression. 

Mother-In-Law: “Oh, you say this often?”

Me: “Oh, eh, sorry, force of habit.”

I think she is joking or even reprimanding me. 

Mother-In-Law: “Do they do this at your home, as well? Do your parents support each other so much?”

Me: “My parents? Nah, it’s just something between us.”

Mother-In-Law: “I can’t remember when my husband praised me… nor when I praised him!”

I realize my mother-in-law is serious. She gets up and walks out to her husband. 

Mother-In-Law: “I just wanted to say you did a great job in the garden. I’m proud of you!”

Father-In-Law: “Eh… thanks?”

My father-in-law looks at my mother-in-law, bewildered, and my mother-in-law sits down again. 

Mother-In-Law: “I should do that more often.”

Glad to be of service?