The Love Dare: Day 13

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Week 1 (Days 1-7)

Week 2 (Days 8-14)

Day 13: Love Fights Fair

Rules are made to be broken.

Sound familiar?

I've never been a huge rule breaker (except for a few select instances in college that I won't get into right now..); as far as I'm concerned, rules are made for a reason and should be respected and followed.

This is especially true for relationships.

Fighting fair is something we all need to strive for in our marriages--too often, we let our pride get in the way of clear, productive thinking, which is something I had to work on early on in Brandon's & my relationship.

For today's dare..

Talk to your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. 

This is a conversation that Brandon and I have never had; Brandon is fairly laid back when it comes to our arguments and is usually able to get past things really quickly. 

Me on the other hand? Not so much (this was a problem when we were dating).

Before Brandon and I were married, I set some rules for myself when it came to fighting that I still abide by today. Those rules include:

1. Think it over for a day--is what you're upset about really that big of a deal? Is it going to matter a week from now? If no, just let it go. If yes..
2. ..kindly bring it up (never go into it crying/screaming). 
3. Talk it out and let it go (I always go into these conversations saying "Okay, I need to talk to you about this or that and I'll never bring it up again after this")--I know several people who let their issues fester and build and then continually bring it up for years to come; this is harmful and completely unnecessary. Talk it over, say you're sorry (if need be), and let it go. 

Brandon and I have a pretty healthy relationship and are able to productively talk things over and move on which (I believe) has saved us from lots of grief and sleepless nights in different rooms.

Today, I dare you to talk with your spouse about healthy rules of engagement. If you aren't ready for this, make a list for yourself. See if you notice any changes in your relationship in the coming days, weeks, and months.

I certainly did.

#BloggerLoveDare

You guys.

I'm so far behind on blogging.

AGH!

I got several posts prepped last week while I sipped on my decaf PSL at the 'bucks (8pm=no caffeine) but didn't get a chance to tell you about this awesome series I'm taking part in!

My blogging bud Tausha has organized an awesome, AWESOME series called the Blogger Love Dare, which is based on the Love Dare from the movie "Fireproof" (which I haven't gotten to watch yet but look forward to partaking in after we get all moved into to our new house next week!).

Here's what the Love Dare is all about (via Tausha): The Love Dare is 40 days, 40 dares dedicated to strengthening & encouraging your relationship with your spouse. I encourage you (as does the original book) to keep a journal of your feelings and actions throughout the 40 days. If you have a blog, write about it. Share it. Perspective in relationships is key & if you can share your trails and triumphs with others – we all become better.

Amazing, right?! I encourage you all to follow along with the Love Dare and to record your progress! I know that all of our marriages could use little "pick-me-ups" here and there so I look forward to doing this dare for Brandon!

Here's the dares so far:
Week 1 (Days 1-7)
Week 2 (Days 8-14)

Be sure to come back on Saturday for my Day 13 post (yes, I'm posting on a Saturday.. can you believe it?!)!