Yes. The title is stupid. I know. She already told me. But what else do you call a blog about pet peeves? This is simple to explain but not easy in practice. We all have pet peeves and we all have differing levels of response to them.
One of my pet peeves is my food falling apart. It could be a blown out taco, or a slippery sandwich that drops its contents, I don’t care. When it happens it flips a switch in me and I could strangle kittens. Chenee knows there is no consoling me and to give me some space when it happens because I can not be nice until I cool off. I’m literally getting mad thinking about it right now. This is an example of a pet peeve you can’t really do anything about except avoid foods with the potential to break the universe.
There are however other types that we can do something about. Talk with your partner about the little things that drive them crazy. Then work real hard to not do those things. The little things can add up over time and grow bigger. That creates potential for some serious arguments about nothing. And contrary to popular beliefs, no one wins arguments in a relationship, everybody loses.
You might notice a common theme in our blogs. Communication. It is a foundational concept for a healthy, productive, and loving relationship. We have to learn how to talk about stuff. We have to think critically about our interactions, the words we use, the tone of our voice, our body language, the time we take to respond. All are important parts of effective communication.
It bothers me when stuff gets hung on a doorknob. Especially if it’s hung on the side that gets in the way of closing the door. I don’t care if it’s a belt, bra, or shirt. Chenee hates when she asks me to look for something and I can’t find it until she opens the cabinet and somehow makes it appear on the shelf directly in front of my face. She despises when the kids leave empty containers in the fridge.
These all create potential to be the spark that ignites an argument. So start talking about pet peeves. Take a deep breath before you explode over your mans inability to find the ketchup that’s in the door of the fridge on the same shelf it’s been on for the last 5 years. Don’t start hollering when you can’t close your bedroom door because there are 2 bras and 3 belts hanging on the handle. Really work to not trigger your partner. Your home should be a safe space.
Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
