on using my wiles
merriam-webster defines wiles as:
1: a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive ; also : a beguiling or playful trick
2: skill in outwitting : trickery, guile
As a woman, I’ve been told that I’ve inherently been gifted with this thing called wiles that allows me to “get whatever I want”. When I talk about wiles, I prefer not to think about it so much as deceit or trickery so much as “using anything I can to get my husband to do something that I want”.
I do think that getting results from wiles is truly an art that takes practice. I’ve never used them to get out of a speeding ticket (I usually cry after the officer is back in their own car), to get someone to buy me a (insert whatever here), or whatever else it is that you’re supposed to do with them. I think just knowing that I’m supposed to have them makes me think that I should try them out just in case they ever work.
After only 6 months of marriage, I’ve determined that my wiles are either: (a) useless, (b) broken, or (c) really not that important, but I still give them a good old college try from time to time.
Using my wiles has taught me two important things so far:
1. Don’t use them while lee is playing a game or watching tv…he will never notice.
2. It’s usually better just to come out and say what I want…better results that way.
That’s all for now. I’ll keep you posted.
xoxo,
Sarah
March 30th, 2009 at 0919
I think that the effectiveness of feminine wiles is directly related to the relationship between the woman and the man she is attempting to use them on (in this context, I am using a broad definition of relationship, whether it be familial, romantic, friendly, etc). The more distant the relationship, the more likely wiles will work. For example, I have a close, familiar relationship with my brother, and because of that my abitliy to get him to do things for me is iffy. At work, however, where I have a more distant relationship with my male coworkers, getting them to do things is fairly easy.
I think, Sarah, if you were to apply your wiles on other subjects than your husband, you would have much greater success. So don’t give up on them altogether, you never know when they may come in handy!
March 30th, 2009 at 0925
Jess, I particularly like your explanation of this. But Sarah, if you think you can just go around wile-ing other men because it works better, well, YOU’RE DANG WRONG.
March 30th, 2009 at 0931
Dang.
April 6th, 2009 at 0812
Hi Sarah,
Just read yours and Lee’s last three blogs. All witty, some thought provoking. I thought the one on womanly wiles was interesting. Being a daughter of a midwesterner (WY) I’ve learned it’s usually best to toss feminine wiles out the door and just say what you mean. That way there’s no confusion (that is if the man in your life heard what you said.)
Love,
Kathy C