Blood Dynamics

It’s a rule of thumb in my family that we call each other out on our bullshit. Bottling things up doesn’t fly; it’s stupid, we figure, and just prolongs the problem. Most of us are confrontational by nature. It’s easier this way.

The thing is - we’re supposed to stay logical. It’s not that we can’t express emotions - emotions just don’t hold against tough love reality.

You’re pissed because someone told you that you handled a dating situation badly? It’s true. Do better next time. Move on.

You’re offended because someone said you need to stop complaining about never having time to clean your house? Stop committing to every little social thing and solve your own problem. Boom.

You don’t like when people joke around about you always asking if your boyfriend of six months is also invited to the party? We’re not mocking you - it was just funny.

A lot of people don’t get it, the way we talk so openly with each other; they see two or more of us arguing over something and think we’re actually fighting, or that they need to intervene, or that shit’s about to hit the fan. Back up, buddy - this is communication. We don’t do grudges; and if someone tries, they’re probably doing too much navel-gazing. It’s healthier than the ‘let’s pretend the problem doesn’t exist’ method. It’s better than ‘beat around the bush and gaslight’. It’s faster than sitting in therapy for two months indirectly insulting each other and playing the victim.

… right?

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(This started as a journal entry, but I'm playing around with the idea of using it as the start of a novella or something. Let me know your thoughts!)