Sharing Is Caring

Knowing what and how much to share is key to the start of a healthy relationship. Do you really want your significant other to know your innermost fears and frustrations? At what point do you carry your own water and not add more to the load they are bearing?

For example:

Your significant other asks you how your day is going. What is your response? Do you say the kids are acting like maniacs and driving you nuts, the dog is dragging his butt across the carpet, your boss is a narcissist maniac, layoffs are looming, and the project you were working on has been defunded? Do you unload and share every upsetting and stressful detail about your day? 

Or do you suck it up like Gunga Din, sling the water sack over your shoulder, and with a big, toothy smile, say…

“Honey, when I’m with you, every day is a holiday, every meal is a feast, and I love you more every minute I get to spend with you!”

If you want to share, then, by all means, share your significant other’s load and pick them up.

“Wow, sweetie, it sounds like you had a rough day! Why don’t you take a break and head to the gym. I’ll get dinner started and give you a massage <wink, wink> when you get home.”

Yes, I know it sounds like a fictional 1960’s Leave It To Beaver television episode, but life doesn’t always have to be a drama-filled reality show. There’s a reason that show was on for 7 years, brought back in the ’80’s, and is still running in syndication. It’s positive, upbeat, and there’s no drama. The people in the show genuinely love and support each other. 

You choose what to stress about and overreact to in life. You also decide whether you’re going to add to your loved one’s stress or make their day a little brighter. This doesn’t mean you never share your feelings and stresses with your partner, but choose what you share wisely. Are you complaining and venting about real problems or just creating drama in your head?

Sharing IS caring – depending on what you decide to share.

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