The Wife has wanted an iPod for quite some time now, so - being the dutiful husband I am - I went ahead and waited a couple years until I had made all my own vanity purchases, paid off some bookies, and got her one. I opted for the 20 Gb model because, well, what the hell do I know? We have (what I assumed were) bunches and bunches of CDs, so better safe than sorry. Good thinking, that was, because even after loading most of her discs and a smattering of mine, there's still well over 10 Gb on the thing.
Anyway, I can already tell what a positive effect this is going to have on the marriage. Our coversations, for example, are alreadt friendlier. In the past, we've sometimes had contentious discussions over religion and current events. Now, she's much more agreeable, nodding in assent with my sage wisdom, a half-smile on her face, her earpieces snugly in place.
Conversation among married couples is overrated anyway, and we can sometimes go for hours on end without speaking, comfortable just to be in each other's company.
Child-rearing seems to have gotten easier for The Wife, too. Now, our daughter's cries no longer seem to elicit the same feelings of consternation in her, and she's taken the healthier step of letting the baby just "cry it out," which some experts feel is healthier. I had my doubts at first, but the upside is that our child and I have grown much closer as a result.*
Spouses need their alone time, as well. I'm happy to report that since the addition of out iPod to our happy home, The Wife is much more keen on taking long walks away through the neighborhood, sharing her newfound contraption with other technologically enabled people. She's taken up quite an interest with that young Brazilian gentleman who just moved in a few houses down (I think she said he models for Abercrombie and Fitch). Hey, anything that increases our sense of community in our country is all right with me.
I encourage anyone who wants to strengthen their personal relationships to get an iPod for their loved ones. You'll be amazed at the way it improves your life.
*That was a joke, just in case you're reading this and happen to be a sarcasm-deprived Child Protective Services investigator. Or Wayne Dolcefino.