I Wore My Wife’s Underwear
My wife is a master planner—always protecting her future self with the actions of her present self. She has SOPs for everything: holiday dinners like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas… and of course, the biggest event of the year—The Super Bowl. (Which, I’ll admit, hasn’t been my favorite since 1995. Cowboys fan here.)
She even has a checklist for my overnight business trips. Nothing escapes her system.
We recently took our 25th vacation to Canaan Valley, West Virginia—a trip our grown kids refuse to miss. It’s tradition: hiking by day, fires and games by night, quirky shops, live music at the Purple Fiddle, and the best brewery in the state, Stumptown Brewery, with the added bonus of hot Sirianni’s Pizza.
As usual, my wife had a detailed packing list. My job? Review it, check off what I need, and pack accordingly. If it’s not on the list, she’s officially not responsible.
Upon arrival, while unpacking, I realized I’d forgotten something that shouldn’t need to be on any list.
Yes—my underwear.
I’ve never forgotten that before. In fact, I’m usually an overpacker when it comes to underwear. But this time, I missed it. And I’m particular about my brand and style.
After a round of delirious laughter, my wife offered a solution: “You can wear mine!” And I did. Thankfully, it was the same brand I wear—just a smaller size and the style she sleeps in, not her daytime wear (which definitely wouldn’t have worked).
According to my DiSC profile, one of the key strategies for improving my style is to avoid glossing over the details. I never imagined that would include underwear.
Let me know if you’d like to turn this into a leadership anecdote or use it in a training session—it’s a great metaphor for attention to detail and shared accountability.
Life Lesson: Even the Obvious Deserves Attention
No matter how experienced, prepared, or detail-oriented we think we are, it’s often the “obvious” things—the ones we assume we’ll never forget—that trip us up. Whether it’s packing underwear or preparing for a high-stakes meeting, glossing over the basics can lead to unexpected discomfort (and a good laugh).
My wife’s approach—protecting future self with present self—is a masterclass in proactive leadership. Her SOPs aren’t just about control; they’re about care, clarity, and setting others up for success. And this story reminds me that even seasoned leaders benefit from a checklist, a second glance, or a moment of humility.
In leadership and life, don’t skip the fundamentals. The smallest details often carry the biggest impact—and sometimes, the best stories.