crossed their minds.

+

Many chairs were carelessly pla- ced in the rest of the room, but somehow they formed a semi-circle facing the sofa. Each TV would sit in one of the chairs for a while and then get up and wand- er toward the kitchen. I'm willing to bet they all had one thought: I hope the GG's liked me. was I sitting right? Did I act too feminine? Or did I overdo the masculine trying to remind the GG's that, after all, I'm a he-man?

Some of the husbands acted definitely sheepish, almost apologetic in front of the GG's. Those who came without their wives were definitely more at ease. Obviously there is still a lot of guilt left inside. With the wife present they seem to be hobbled, they even walk with a touch of the sea-faring captain. Their voices seem to grow even deeper than normal. It is in- teresting to note that when alone, I mean without the wife present, the voice goes up a notch and there's more of "the lady" showing.

Other TV's seemed to be scared of the wives present. They actually avoided them and after a per- functory introduction they removed themselves from the magic circle and disappeared inside the kitchen or moved around on the periphery of things. Some, who are usually good at jokes and good-natured teasing, seemed to have suddenly lost their usual nonchalance and just sat, talking almost in whispers.

And the wives? Blessed be their GG-ness. They were giving us all a lesson in how to be nice even if you don't quite feel up to it. They were dressed with taste, gracious in their conversation and observed with- out being obvious about it. There was, however, a difference between those wives who have become accus- tomed to TV gatherings and those who are still new at it. The latter were a bit more quiet, more reserved. I would have given a great deal to have a mind-record- ing machine hooked up near that sofa! I am sure they noticed everything..they must have noticed the care- less TV who still has to be reminded to sit properly when in company at least. They must have noticed those who know that black is a slenderizing color and those who don't..they must have noticed the TV who

79.