I went to bed upset with my wife last night. Couples aren't happy with each other all of the time, but last night was New Year's Eve. Sadly, the ordeal was over a matter so small I couldn't recall the conflict's origin on New Years morning. Then I remembered. A Facebook communication protocol error sparked my aggravation.
I hate Facebook communication protocol errors. Loathe them. My wife puts weight on Facebook communications. Me, not so much. As a result, I am often at the receiving end of Facebook communication protocol errors. Regular communication can be difficult enough. Facebook only serves to add frustration.
Facebook was much simpler when I was single. I primarily ignored it. It was there when I wanted it to be and not when I didn't. But as a married man Facebook has become much more complicated. I think I'm supposed to keep track of all my wife's posts, comments, and who replies to said comments. I'm not sure though because I've never been given a list of rules in written or spoken form. I only surmise this list by experience.
My wife asked if I saw a comment my goofy uncle left on a post she made about the cold weather. I hadn't. I'm not generally interested in posts about the weather. If you're cold suck it up and put on an ugly Christmas sweater. If you're hot then why the heck are you wearing an ugly Christmas sweater!?
She was upset because I was liking other posts but skipped over hers. And honestly, I hadn't even seen her post on my timeline. But ignorance never admits innocence and the point isn't about how I felt. The point is she cared. And I care about her so taking a minute to navigate to her page and scrolling to a post about winter chill wouldn't hurt me. In fact, it would show her I care about things that possess meaning for her. Setting aside my oversized ego for a moment would have helped me remember that all my time is not my own. Giving a few minutes would have strengthened our relationship.
So often small inconsequential events make or break a day. Attitude determines reaction. Reaction determines outcome. That morning I resolved to make up with my wife. Our fist step as a couple needed to inspire a relationship that will live to see 2015. In the future, I'll take more care to care about the things she cares about, especially the small things.
Take care,
JP Miller