Symbolic language develops between close groups of people. You say a thing but everyone who’s “in” knows it means something else and gets the reference. This is especially true with lovers. It develops into its own love language. I can say to my wife “chip me up off the floor” and it will send her into peels of laughter. I’d explain it, but it wouldn’t be funny or meaningful to anyone but us.
Well, my wife had offered that I could raid her closet as it suits me. Thankfully, she and I are roughly the same size so a lot of things would fit! Unfortunately, her style is more “Boho chic” where I’m more “Retro vintage”. Plus, I would be horrified if I borrowed something she were planning to wear the next day or if I inadvertently damaged a favorite of hers.
However, every so often I spy something that I *NEED* to wear of hers! When I do, I say “Honey, I am “borrowing” this” (complete with hands held up to make air quotes).
“Borrowing” in this context … the context of our love language … means: “Honey, you never wear this, it’s not really your style anyway, I think it would look really cute on me, so I’m now taking it and you’re never getting it back.”
Well, why not? She’s “borrowed” a number of my t-shirts over the years. A few pair of pajama pants as well. I can’t recall ever owning a pair of slippers for more than a week before she’s commandeered them.
Got to the point where I borrowed (no quotes) a necklace from her and had to explain “I mean *really* borrow, I’ll put it back later.” She countered with “That’s okay, you keep it, I never wear that one anymore.
I’m not too proud for hand-me-downs!