I had some friends over for brunch the other weekend. Before they arrived, I asked Alan to perform a final walk-through to pick up any of his stuff that was within eye-shot. He hollered from the second bedroom, “Do you want me to move these ties?”
I knew exactly what he was talking about. In recent weeks, when he changed clothes after work, he’d taken to draping his tie “du jour” over the door. There was quite a collection.
“Yes,” I said. “That’s exactly the type of thing I’d like you to put away.”
He came walking out, gesturing back down the hall. “You don’t think they look good there?”
I was speechless. Random clothing hanging on a door? Was this a trick question? I shook my head.
“I kind of like them,” he explained. “It’s a nice pop of color.”
I shook my head. “Um, no.”
Then he paused and looked thoughtful. “Just understand, every time you think I’m cluttering, I think I’m actually decorating.”
Nice try, Alan.
pithypants 