Let Your Partner Try Again

The Beauty of Small Second Chances

The other night, I told my husband Z that I'd had an emotional day and could use some support. I added a caveat that none of it was about him or us. He sat down on the couch next to me, but he was fidgety. As I shared, I could see he was not tuned in.

In a moment of exceptionally graceful communication, I said, "what is up with you? Why do you suck at listening right now?"

Luckily, he laughed, and then explained. He was antsy to get out the door to play basketball (yes, I knew this was the plan). It actually wan't a good time.

We both flubbed this situation a bit. Knowing that he was trying to leave, I probably should have held my horses and waited till later to share feelings. And I wish he had self-assessed and communicated that he wanted to leave instead of listen.

Keep reading to hear how we repaired and kept moving.