Couple Builder: Don’t Shout Across The House

It happens all the time. You’re rummaging around in the bedroom, trying to find an item. “Honey?” you call out. “Have you seen my glasses?” This scenario plays itself out dozens of times a week, sometimes per day. It’s a small discourtesy, but it still shouldn’t happen.

Stop and think for a moment. What’s going on with your spouse at that moment? Are you interrupting something? Are they close enough to hear you? The only way to know the answers is to go physically to where your love is. It’s a courtesy you should extend instead of shouting across the house.

It’s a small thing, but it’s a practical example of love in action. Your partner has their own needs, desires, and responsibilities. So do your children. If little Johnny is explaining to Mom at that moment why he happens to have cookie crumbs on his cheek and a smear of chocolate on his lip, your question will be an interruption. If you’ve been trying to convince Johnny not to interrupt, he also needs to see your example of how to be courteous.

So the next time you have a question for your lover, go find them. Look to see if it’s a good time to interrupt. Ask your question when you can smile at them from the same room, or even give them a little kiss.

Feeling close is about staying connected in hundreds of little ways. Make the effort to go to where your spouse is. Small courtesies mean a lot.