Each Other

I may be speaking for myself and not the subject of “each other” here for the moment. There might be something I desire, like maybe another power tool for my shop or tractor implement (accessory) for my farm in North Central Florida. None of which are exactly an exciting subject to bring up and discuss with my wife. She is perfectly happy in her world that involves any accessory associated with her love of tennis, such as rackets, balls, tennis shoes, or the latest in court attire…yawn.

Tractor implements and tennis necessities may be our opposite wants, and not exactly mutually gratifying but they bring joy in a separate way. She enjoys playing tennis when it’s hotter out there than the surface of the sun and me, as a dyed-in-the-wool city boy, enjoy my role at “Green Acres” shaking and baking in the summer heat, sitting on my tractor cutting more dirt than hay.

So, what exactly does bring joy to each other at the same time involve? I’m no expert in the subject; I just have life learned experiences. It’s no secret that most men fumble the ball when it comes to this subject. A recent gift we purchased for “each other” was a new mattress. That mutual joy ended sooner than expected when, after several nights, we both came to the conclusion that our purchase had to be the most uncomfortable thing we ever slept on!

It dawned on me that choosing a gift that makes a couple feel mutual joys is no easy task. It could be the purchase of a new car, boat, or a fabulous sea cruise, all of which to get the right effect can cost a pretty penny.

Which now brings me to the subject of giving a gift of fine jewelry. (You know I was going to bring up the subject sooner or later!) It is most definitely one of the things in life that brings joy simultaneously.

What I see going on in my jewelry shop on a daily basis is when a couple comes in and browses around, he or she will notice something in the window or showcases that catches their eye. Sometimes it’s a simple ‘Gimmie sale,’ most times it is not. He will buy it for her then and there or maybe not; in some instances, he will make a mental note of the piece of jewelry she desired and come back alone and purchase it for a special occasion or for the ultimate I love you and who needs a reason surprise.

There is also the not-so-desirable alternative where he has ignored all her signals that she would really like to have that piece, and due to the result of his blatant act of uncaring, she comes back the next day alone and purchases it on her own. Not exactly an “Each Other Moment,” the result is someone ended up happy.

Recently, the grandmother of two teenage girls came in seeking nice gold earrings for their recently pierced ears. (I have always advocated that it’s very important to use real gold quality earrings in new piercings to prevent infections and sore ears that cheap steel or gold-plated earrings can cause). The girls picked out one pair of simple gold balls and a pair of pearl studs, the beginnings of a fine jewelry collection. This was a definite “Each Other” moment of happiness that included the love of three very nice people.

I can vouch from my recent experience in the purchase of an each other “gift” that involved buying yet another faulty refrigerator, not as mutually pleasing, and it did not have the same effect as those simple gold earrings had on those teens and their Grandma.

I have had hundreds of similar experiences over the years, but only recently has the word “Each Other” resonated so deeply with me. I have found there is also joy in giving non-material things in life and reaping the benefits when we help those in need lacking life’s most necessary things such as food, clothing, and shelter. Yes, even here in Collier and nearby counties, in these current times the need is very real. Please support local food banks and charities, they really need our help. It’s okay to practice random acts of kindness, even if only just a few dollars. We have a donation can for the local food drive charities at the Harbor Goldsmith for your convenience.

Thank you in advance from my daughter Lindsay and I for your support for those in real need.

Enjoy the remainder of the summer and please be safe out there!