A few months back, you may recall that I noticed criticism was hurting my marriage. So I challenged myself, Cecily, and all of you to stop criticizing your spouse, if only for a weekend. Around here, we've found the "criticism-free zone" to be a great success.
So, what other corrosive forces attack intimacy? The second one I've identified (for me, anyway) is "complaint." It's no secret that I'm a complainer. My family motto in Gaelic translates roughly to "Bitch Bitch Bitch." And my constant complaining is a stressor in my relationship. But complaint is so ingrained in my personality, I fear it will be tough to remove. So, JUST FOR TODAY, I'm going to try to refrain from complaint. Because if there's one thing I've learned from sobriety, it's that a person can endure for a single day what would seem impossible for a lifetime.
So, today, I will try not to complain to my spouse. And as always, I challenge any of you who are willing to join me.
Onward!
OK. I'm gonna do this. Mike will thank you!
Posted by: Angela | March 01, 2010 at 12:37 AM
How did it go?
Posted by: Thomas | March 01, 2010 at 10:40 PM
I stayed quiet a lot of the time. Cecily thought I was angry with her..lol. When I explained what I was doing, she laughed, but decided to join me. So it went well. A good day.
Posted by: Charlie | March 01, 2010 at 10:48 PM
That's great! A "fast" is a good response to excess.
I still say it's ok to complain about the weather. But all day long, maybe not.
Posted by: Thomas | March 02, 2010 at 07:55 AM
I should probably have been clearer... the type of complaint on which I'm focusing is the "if I complain long enough maybe someone other than me will fix it" kind. A grumble at the weather is totally permissible, especially this year.
Posted by: Charlie | March 02, 2010 at 12:24 PM