Getting through the hard times

It is inevitable.  No matter the frequency, the intensity, the seriousness.  Everyone encounters hard times.

Sometimes it's in a friendship.  Within your family.  Your relationship.  Sometimes it's a health issue, a trust issue, a financial issue.  Time spent.  Time lost.  Aspects of the past... or the prospects in the future. 

So many things... and more.

I used to reach these issues with an apathetic attitude.  Giving no notice to what I may actually be feeling.  Running if it was serious.  Denying that it had an effect.  Today, I've grown past that.  To a degree, anyway.

Logically... I can't see a perfect way to handle a fight.  But this is what I've got so far... when it comes to my relationship.

I spend as short a time in quiet reflection as I can... working out why I'm upset, what aspects of my anger/sadness are rational and which are ridiculous.  I decide whether a discussion is necessary... if the argument is worth our time... and whether our relationship will be better if the issues reach a resolution... that is, if discussing or engaging in said argument will be constructive.

I try to show my  point while never discouraging hers.  I don't do name calling.  I try not to interrupt.

At the end of the argument, I make sure nothing is left unsaid.  I stay serious until everything is "ok."  I make sure she knows I love her.  If I said something I didn't mean, I make sure she knows it... and I apologize for it. 

So far... this is my ideal system.

There are moments that are hard to forgive.  The past is like a minefield the two of us created... I remember where some of them are buried but forget where we put the rest of them... and every so often... while walking... we trip one. 

I'd like to think that I've grown up some.  I am not perfect, but when I compare myself to who and what I once was... I can't help but be proud at some of the progress I've made.  That old mistakes haven't repeated.  That I'm truly and honestly happy.  That I've found what I've always wanted.

Fights... whatever the reasons... whatever the cause... are such a small thing to me.  We move past them quickly.  Usually forget them soon after.  And go on with our lives.

Most of the times, the resolution bring progress in our relationship.  The two of us become happier and stronger.

I can only hope the next time we go trekking through the minefield... we make it out alive.