Remember the Golden Rule

In a relationship it is always easy to breeze on through when things are going great, but that is not the case when you have to endure the rough spots. The past few days have been one of those times. Not so much in my romantic relationship, but in my dealings with others. As I drove home from work yesterday, I thought about how my patience, respect and understanding had been tested constantly through out the day. It all started with an extremely rude customer service representative at a xerox shop and ended with a disrespectful cashier at a local gas station. Growing up we are always taught the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

In our relationship with our significant other, occasionally our patience, respect and understanding is tested in any disagreements or heated arguments that we might have. During these times we need to exercise our mind muscles and not so much our mouth muscles. Reacting to someones behavior could have drastic consequences. In past relationships, if I had practiced a bit of patience, thought with understanding and spoke with respect I would not have driven a wedge between myself and the other person.

The holidays are a busy time, both mentally and physically. Shoppers are annoyed because they may not be able to get all of their shopping done and have to stand in long lines. On the other end, service workers are having to deal with 10 times the amount of customers that they are used to. The holidays should be a time of joy not hurt. Instead of being quick to react, I ask that we all practice a bit of patience, think with understanding and speak with respect.