Long Weekends
As a good friend sometimes needs to remind me, “Relationships are constantly under negotiation.” They have an ebb and flow which means that not-so-great points are unavoidable. They are a natural part of a healthy relationship.
A natural part I just happen to loathe with all my being.
This past weekend was not a long one in the three day weekend kind of way; it was long in the ‘things aren’t great in paradise’ way. Like all too many people across the world, we are feeling the crunch of having to tighten our wallets. Lately, everything that should be wonderful landmarks along the path of a relationship – our first pet, owning our first house, having a baby – have just turned into stresses because they seem like impossible dreams.
With those things weighing on us, it’s not entirely surprising that we end up biting and snarling occasionally. But if there is one thing that I pride myself on when it comes to my relationship with my husband, it’s our level of communication.
It wasn’t easy – uncomfortable silences and breaks from the conversation happened more than once – but we did talk it out. We worked on things. We both stated our sides and then tried to trade places to understand how the other person felt.
The ending wasn’t shiny, wrapped up in a pink bow, or even what I had originally hope it would be. But it worked for both of us, and compromise is what really counts in the end.
Forgive me if I’m a bit tired today. The weather is dreary, I’m feeling less than 100%, and after a long weekend, I’m eager for some TLC.
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