Sometimes we can forget that our partners are human just like us. We are quick to be on them when they make even the most minor mistakes. We can be snappy when they forget, yet again, to follow through on something they swore they would do. And, we can have little patience for their humanness.
What we have to remember is this: At any given moment we can just as easily make mistakes.
Our mistakes may not be the same ones our partners make. However, they are just as “human” and can be just as annoying. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you “aren’t as bad” as your partner or as irresponsible or (fill in the blank)… your mistakes may look different, but they are mistakes just the same.
We each need to have the courage to be forgiving, the humility to be nonjudgmental, and the strength to be accountable for our own mistakes rather than pointing out the mistakes of our partners. When we are more forgiving of our partners, our partners may be more forgiving of us.
Our partners are human…just like us. They make mistakes everyday—even with the best of intentions…just like you and me. Rather than emotionally beating our partners up for being human, let’s try to look in the mirror and realize that we are just as human.
Challenge: For one week, focus on being more forgiving, less judgmental and more self-reflective. Look at your side and change your usual moves in response to your partner’s mistakes.