Maura sat on the couch, engrossed in the magazine she'd found earlier. Beacon lay nearby, her head resting on Maura's lap, as she absentmindedly flipped through the pages. Jane was bustling around the kitchen, the clinking of pots and pans signaling her efforts to prepare dinner.
As Maura turned the page, an article caught her eye: "Five Easy Tips to See if Your Partner is Whipped." Intrigued, she began to read, a playful idea forming in her mind. She glanced over at Jane, who was now humming to herself as she chopped vegetables.
"Jane, have you ever heard of the term 'whipped'?" Maura asked casually, trying not to give away her intentions.
Jane looked up, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Yeah, why?"
Maura held up the magazine. "I was reading this article, and it mentioned some signs that indicate one partner might be 'whipped' by the other."
"Interesting, since when do you read those types of magazines?" Jane questioned
"Your mother must have left it on the coffee table." Maura shrugged
The evening continued and Maura vowed to give Angela back the magazine when she saw her next. As they lay in bed that night the article still stuck with Maura a little.
— — —
Maura sat at a quaint café, sipping her coffee as she waited for her sister Cailin to arrive. It had been a while since they'd had a chance to catch up, and she was looking forward to their lunch together. As Cailin walked through the door, Maura waved her over, a warm smile on her face.
"Cailin, it's so good to see you," Maura greeted her, rising from her seat to exchange a quick hug.
"Likewise, Maura," Cailin replied, returning her smile. "It's been too long. How have you been?"
Maura settled back into her seat, taking a sip of her coffee. "Busy, as always. But I can't complain. How about you?"
Cailin shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "Same old, same old. Anything interesting happening lately?"
Maura's cheeks flushed slightly. "Jane and I are getting used to living together."
The conversation continued touching many different topics when Maura stated "I was reading an article last night in a magazine about 8 easy tests to see if your partner is whipped. You know I usually don't read these silly types of magazines but Angela had left it."
Cailin leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Silly or not, it sounds like fun. Did you try any of the tests on Jane?"
Maura hesitated, unsure whether to confide in Cailin about her plan. But something about her playful demeanor put her at ease, and she found herself opening up to her.
"Well, I mentioned it to Jane, but I didn't actually go through with it. It felt... dishonest, somehow."
Calin nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I understand your hesitation, Maura. But think about it this way—relationships are all about communication and understanding. Maybe this could be a way for you and Jane to learn more about each other, to strengthen your bond."
Maura considered Calin's words, a new perspective beginning to form in her mind. Perhaps she was right. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for them to deepen their connection, to explore new aspects of their relationship.
"You know what, Calin? You might be onto something. Maybe I'll give it a try after all, it could be really fun" Maura said, a hint of determination in her voice.
And as she thought about the playful tests she could try on Jane, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in her chest.
— — —
Maura got home just before Jane and hurriedly snatched the magazine and entering her study to re-read some of the simple tests they gave:
Does your partner allow you to dress them up?
Does your partner let you style their hair and choose their clothes? Try letting your partner get ready for dinner and then before leaving suggest a completely different outfit and see if they change before leaving. If you succeed you can put a point into the whipped category.
If you can get them to switch their hairstyle as well then bonus points. Congratulations on your partner being utterly devoted to you.
Do you wear the pants in decisions?
Try picking out a movie and see if your partner defaults to your choice. If you succeed put a point into the whipped category
Go for the trifecta and choose the restaurant and snacks also for bonus points. If you succeed put a point into the whipped category.
Do you wear matching outfits?
Trying getting your partner to accompany you on an outing with a matching shirt. If your partner agrees then place a point in the whipped category.
For a bonus point get the entire outfit to match.
Does your partner reply to you text messages within a short amount of time?
Try texting your partner throughout the day and time the responses. If your partner replies within 8 minutes each time put a point in the whipped category.
For a bonus point try this over three days straight.
Does your partner let you crash an outing with their friends?
Try inviting yourself along to an event with your partner and their friends. If they let you join in put a point in the whipped category.
Bonus points get them to change their outfit for that event.
Will your partner hold your purse while out?
Try to pass your course off to your partner in different situations. If you succeed put a point in the whipped category.
Bonus points have them hold your purse for over an hour.
Will your partner celebrate an absurd holiday with you?
Convince your partner to celebrate a half birthday, 8 month anniversary, or Flag Day. If you succeed put a point in the whipped category.
Bonus points if you get them to invite their friends over to celebrate
Does your partner let you give them pet names?
Try out an outrageous pet name for your partner and see if they allow it. Put a point into the whipped category if your partner allows you to use Love Nugget, Pookie, Boo-Boo, Hot Lips, or Boothang.
Bonus points if you get your partner to go by two of the names.
The article continues that if you scored 12 points or above in the whipped category then you can consider your partner whipped.
If you score 8-11 points then your parter admires you and is well on their way to being whipped
If you score under 8 points, does your partner even love you, just kidding, we know your partner loves you.
As Maura finished reading the article and starting to think about ways to try to test Jane, she heard Jane enter the house calling out from the kitchen.
"Hey Maur, I'm home and I brought dinner"
Maura smirked as she left the magazine on her desk and went to join Jane.