In which I try to convince Primo that it's OK to tell me that he can't do something and that it's better than promising he will do it and then not being able to do it

Me: What should we eat when my mom is here? Can you cook fish one night?

Primo: Maybe. There is a canvass this weekend.

Me: Maybe I should be in charge of all the food.

Primo: I can maybe do it.

Me: I would rather you tell me you can't do it than give me a maybe.

Primo: But - I want to please you.

Me: I want to know for sure what you are going to do or not going to do.

Primo: But when I make you a promise, it's because I want to make you happy and because my intentions are good.

Me: But - not actually doing what you promised doesn't make me happy. It just pisses me off.

Primo: But I want to do these things! I want to make you happy!

Me: It's OK for you to tell me that you cannot do something. It really is. I would rather know up front that you are not going to grill fish on Sunday than have you tell me today that yes, you will, but then on Sunday, something comes up and you can't and then I am left scrambling.

Primo: How about if you be in charge of meals this weekend?

Me: That sounds good to me.