We are a very kind and gentle family towards each other in general. We are polite towards each other – we drop “pleases” and “thank yous” around here like they are nothing. If we disagree, we try to discuss the issue rather than scream at each other (although sometimes the discussions can get heated!). Right now, we aren’t being as kind and gentle toward each other. We’re sniping and being sarcastic during the day, although at night when we lie in bed and talk, we are very sensitive to the other’s needs.

As I have mentioned, I read a lot. I’m re-reading old favorites – books that I know will comfort me. I know where the hard parts of the stories are, and I can easily skip to the good parts. How I wish that life could be like that sometimes. I’m sure everyone does.

Right now, I’m re-reading Betsy’s Wedding* and have gotten to the place where Betsy is writing her Rules for Married Life. “Always, always, be gentle and loving. No matter if you’re tired or feeling cross.” That’s something we have to remember right now.

It’s very easy to let ourselves take out our anger and frustration on each other, and I’ve decided I will not let that happen.

(*Betsy’s Wedding is the final book in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. They are books describing a girl growing up in an idealized early 1900s Minnesota. They are wonderful escapism if you like “happily ever after” types of books.)