The mainstream concept of being an SO is to take a step behind your man. But my idea of being an SO is to stand next to my man. I have found that having a best friend and a husband is great. We can shop together; we even go away together, but we have to be careful. We don't want to bother anyone or run into anyone we know in our "other life." Once we have found a safe place, we enjoy ourselves like never before. Our married life is different and more stress from work enters into it. But when she is dressed, forget the work, forget the stress; let's get to the fun and being relaxed.

We do have a lot of friends we go out with. We have a group called "For Couples Only," whose members go to dinner once a month or more, either in NYC or in New Hope. We have had as many as eighteen people at one time. The name is just for show, since we accept singles all the time, and have met lovely people from our group. Anyone interested, please get in touch and we will call you with our next dinner plan.

The way Babs and I really started being able to go out in public was going to "Paradise in the Poconos." JoAnn Roberts makes it easy for new people to adjust to being beautiful in a dress. She allows you to do your own thing or go to something organized. We met a few great couples there that we always include in our group. Traveling on a cruise with Peggy Rudd opened our eyes to something even more. We have just returned from Bermuda on a seven day cruise with her.

We met a lot of our friends at the fabulous Prom Night affair on May 4th. We were with friends from Tri-Ess in North and South Jersey, as well as couples from upstate New York and eastern Pennsylvania. I really enjoyed seeing this great crowd. The opportunity to see and talk to other wives at affairs like this is even better than at a meeting. It's a one on one or a group situation, if you wish. Of course, you also get a chance to dance with your mate. (At least he still leads!)

I guess 1 have the best of both worlds. I know when I felt jealous of her figure in a bathing suit, it was wrong. Of course, she didn't mind at all! I know if I had to change her, I'm not sure I could or would. She makes my life interesting, to say the least. She allows me to help her with her hair and maybe pick out clothes, and I love it. She has more clothes than I do, but when I lose weight soon, we'll change that.

If being an SO means loving a person twice as much and sharing a wonderful secret, then I love being an SO!