These Three Words Changed My Marriage
A while ago I was listening to a podcast, and the guest said three words that really stuck with me.
Paper Towel People.
“When things go wrong,” she explained, “some people are worriers or shouters or blamers. And some people just grab the paper towels.”
So true. Whether it’s a tiny, literal problem — the kid has spilled his milk AGAIN — or something much much bigger, you have two choices. Freak out, or grab the paper towels.
The truth is that we can’t fix anything when we sit in the problem. We have to switch our brains into solution mode. If we can do this quickly — the quicker the better — we can get to the other side and solve what’s wrong.
As a writer, I am truly great at imagining all sorts of scenarios and playing them out in my mind as if they are real. It’s a fabulous quality when you’re writing books, but a little less fabulous when you’re in relationships.
I’m dramatic. My brain loves to worry and stew. So I’m trying to switch over to being a Paper Towel Person. Calm, solution-focused, ready to act…not speculate or inflame. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it. And yes, all my relationships — being a mum and being married — are so much better because of it.
What about you? Paper Towel Person or not (yet)? It’s worth considering for the sake of all the people we love.
Enjoy your weekend, everyone! Have some fun, and be fun to live with…
Love Catherine x
PS.
Take a look at this beautiful married couple: life goals!
Hello to all the new people this week! Some fun posts: a great party tip, playing big and playing small, a string quartet in our music room at home.
