The Mason Chronicles: Part 1

Introduction

Hi, everyone! Welcome back to Not Quite Grown. Thank you again for reading last week's blog post about the struggles of finding a job in today's job market. It's still pretty rough out there, especially now that we know there are more unemployed people in the United States than there are job openings...crazy, right?? Anyway, we do what we must do and keep pushing forward. I hope that for those of you who are reading this that are in the same boat as me find a good job offer soon.

The Story Behind the Mason Chronicles

This week's blog post is going to look a little different. So now for a bit of backstory - when I told my husband Mason that I wanted to start a blog about the struggles of being in your 20s, he was of course immediately supportive of the idea. Mason is the type of man who has always encouraged me and lifted me up whenever I needed it, offering me wisdom and advice that is quite unusual for a 24 year old to have, and that is one of the many reasons I love him. He truly is the best partner I could've asked for! He then proceeded to pitch the idea that he wanted to be featured in some of these blog posts and wanted it to be called "The Mason Chronicles." I remember saying to him, "Okay, so...what do you want me to say about you? Do you want me to be funny and paint you in a good light, or do you want me to be honest?" He laughed and said, "I want you to write any funny stories you have about me and my ADHD and how you deal with that as someone who doesn't have ADHD." And he was right. There are definitely some challenges that come with understanding ADHD and how it affects a person's everyday functions, and I have come to learn more about neurodivergence and even relate to it and him over the years. It is truly a wonderful, albeit strange experience that has its highs and lows. While some experiences about ADHD can be super heavy, I wanted to share more of the lighthearted and funny moments I've had with my husband on this blog. So, here's part 1 of the Mason Chronicles!

"HON-Day vs. HUN-Day"

About a year or two ago, Mason and I were in the car somewhere, and somehow, how we got on the topic of the Hyundai car brand. I know people pronounce the name differently, but I think the correct way is HUN-day because that's how all Hyundai car commercial voiceovers pronounce it. Also, I was working in auto advertising at the time so I was talking car brands all day everyday so I think the way I pronounce it is the right way (it doesn't even really matter, but sometimes arguments can be fun in a marriage)! Mason pronounced it and still pronounces it as HON-day, as if you're almost saying HON-da. I happened to think that that was the incorrect way and informed him so. Here's how I recall the conversation going:

Me: It's pronounced HUN-day, because it's spelled with a Y and a U, not an O. I'm right and you're wrong!

Mason: I don't even hear a difference between the two!

Me: Visibly annoyed: Omg okay. Say it with me. HUN-day.

Mason: HON-day. What am I saying wrong??

Me: IT'S PRONOUNCED HUN-DAY! Omg. Say the two syllables with me. HUN. DAY.

Mason: HUN. DAY.

Me: Okay, so now say the word Hyundai.

Mason: HUN-DAY.

Me: Is about to crash out: I give up.

Mason: How am I saying it wrong??

Aaaand that's basically how the conversation went. Again, it technically doesn't matter how you pronounce it, but when you're a stubborn person who dates/marries another stubborn person, these are the types of hills you're willing to die on.

My Advice to You

So, what's the key takeaway/lesson you, the reader, can get from this post? Not all arguments have to be so serious. It can be kind of fun to have small disagreements here and there, and you're bound to have a few of those when you've been together with the same person for nearly 6 years! If you agree on the important things like religious/spiritual beliefs, morals, finances, having kids or not and how to raise said kids, then it's a solid foundation for a relationship. My advice on romantic relationships (and really any relationship you have) is to be honest with yourself and your partner, and never, ever stop communicating with each other. I cannot stress to you how important constant and effective communication is. Learn how to be patient, especially if your partner is neurodivergent and you are not. I have learned so much from Mason about the autism spectrum over the years. It truly offers a unique perspective on how some people see the world, and I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to discover more about it through him and my other loved ones.

Thank You for Reading!

Thank you for reading this week's blog post! It was a bit shorter than my previous ones, but I promise to make it up to you by writing some pretty lengthy ones in the coming weeks. I hope this made you laugh and look forward to future Mason Chronicles posts. Part 2 will be a pretty funny one to share soon as another Mason Facepalm moment JUST happened at the time of writing this, LOL. My wish is that you all find your Mason someday. It is a great thing to be so loved and supported by just being yourself, and everyone deserves to have that experience in their lives. <3

Love,

Grace

Us on our wedding day! :) May 4th, 2025