What your spouse says about you is true.

I’m not referring to extreme mudslinging, dirty-laundry-airing divorce cases. I’m talking about the average marriage where two normally intelligent people have the same argument over and over.

By the way, this blog is in no way autobiographical.

What your spouse says about you is worth considering. If, for example, during arguments, your spouse always yells “You take everything for granted!” — Sorry, but chances are it’s true. 

Within the framework of a marital argument, it is impossible to hear a personal comment as constructive criticism because you’re too busy shouting back, “You can’t take anything seriously.” (For example.)

A woman I know very well left a miserable marriage. After a few years she was living common-law with a wonderful man. She was happy. And then, during an argument, he identified the exact same characteristic her first husband had consistently brought to her attention. (!)

It was a sobering moment for her. “Wait. What? That’s a thing? I really do that?”  The irony was that without hearing what the characteristic was, ALL her friends could accurately guess which particular attribute both spouses found so irritating.

Marriage is an intimate experience. Chances are, no matter what you may think of your marriage — good, bad, or successful, no one knows you better than your spouse. 

The tricky part is to acknowledge what they are telling you. And vice versa. And then get over it.

Stay safe everyone.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.  Your comments, questions, ideas and suggestions are always welcome; Facebook, Twitter, or the contact button.  

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  I keep it short and to the point.  Topics are as wide ranging as a straight but not narrow path.