The Little Things
Monday, August 27th, 2007I once read that relationships work or don’t because of the little things. Couples learn to work through the big things: children, moving house, loss of a job, even adultery. But it’s how the little things stack up that determines whether a relationship will survive.
Does he consistently neglect to unload the dishwasher? Does she always mess up balancing the checkbook? Does he keep stepping on her feet every time they try to dance? Does she criticize him every time he wears a certain shirt?
They may seem minor, but they add up. Eventually one of those little things triggers a wave of repressed outbursts, an overwhelming surge of overlooking past annoyances and, like a wrecking ball, destroys the carefully constructed wall built up from the memories of what you love about the other person.
Relationships may end with a scream, but they fall with whispers.