I am not sure if it’s the time of year or if it’s just a coincidence that I have had so many conversations lately with friends, family and acquaintances about relationships.  It seems there are a lot of questions and complaints in the air. Maybe Valentine’s Day just put some of us over the edge? Perhaps all of that good behavior over the holidays just caught up with us and we need a little breathing room.  I like to think that spring fever has just come a little early and we are all in need of a big dose of sunshine and a deep breath of clean, fresh air.

I, too, find myself annoyed, less than communicative and short tempered with my lovely husband.  Sometimes, I look at him and wonder if he changed overnight and the answer is always, “no.”

He hasn’t changed at all, it’s just me and my grumpiness level that have spiked an all new high.  I know it’s shocking because I seem so sweet, but what can I say?  It happens to the best of us.

So, what are we supposed to do when we wake up next to a person we no longer recognize, like, or just don’t appreciate as much as we used to? First of all, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are being as jovial as you could be.

That’s what I thought; you need some work!

Second, ask yourself what you do love about this person that you pledged your soul to eons ago or are even thinking about vowing your undying devotion to.

Cat’s got your tongue?

Let me help you because unless you just started dating this hunk of love, it might not be very fresh in your mind.  Also, we humans have a tendency to focus on the negative.  For example, I could focus on the fact that my hubby has spent more than a few nights sounding like he is swallowing his tongue because of his new anti-snoring mouth guard or I could focus on the fact that he bought said mouth guard because he knew his snoring keeps me awake at night. Bless his sweet, caring soul.  So, I keep repeating, “he is doing this for me”  until I fall asleep.

 We often look at the negative which only continues to expand the negative space in which we seem to be residing.  When we begin to focus on the positive and find gratitude in the smaller things in life, our perspective changes.

Take some time and focus on the positive.  Make a list.  Change your perspective.  Valentine’s Day may have already passed, but it’s not too late to share the love.

Here is a little gratitude for my other half:

I love that you still let me warm my cold feet up on yours even when you are freezing, too.

I love that you still kiss me and tell me you love me every morning before you leave for work.

I love that no matter what is wrong or whether I want your help or not, you still try to fix it.

I love that even though we just had a big “discussion” about money you still agree to ordering dinner out.

I love that you call me every night on your way home from work.

I love that you hug me every time you walk in the door after being gone all day.

I love that when you say you are going to yell at the girls you turn to mush as soon as you hear their voices.

I love that you never complain when we bring stray animals and people home.

I love that even if I give you cereal for dinner you accept it graciously.

I love that you support me in everything I do.

I love that even when you are really frustrated with me you never hold a grudge.

I love that you always make me laugh.

And even though I don’t always say it, I am glad that you picked me to be your person.

Now, take that stupid mouth guard out of your mouth because I would rather listen to you snore than gag on your own tongue.  Hey, I’m only human.