Relationship Baggage

Travel light. 

In every relationship, there is a certain amount of baggage that both parties bring in. In a truly loving and caring one, the parties help one another unpack. Problems set in when one of the parties refuses to let the excess baggage down, or worse, fail to acknowledge that the baggage even exists. This is often manifested in rude, insensitive behavior towards the other party; or behaviors like apathy, neediness, a fear of commitment, irrational anger, verbal, and sometimes physical abuse which of course must not be tolerated.

True unpacking begins with finding the courage to show vulnerability. Communication that is honest, open, and kind are essential tools in the unpacking. Without it, there can be no progress. 

To be vulnerable is to be brave. If the other party accepts it and is likewise brave enough to look inside his or her vulnerabilities too then the journey ahead, when traveled together, becomes so much lighter. If not, then one will have to make the choice of offloading the baggage that is not needed, and bravely walk the rest of the journey alone. 

Intimate relationships are the arena wherein all our childhood issues come out (baggage) and God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, always brings you who you need along the journey. Pay attention, stay open, be humble, be brave enough to drop the mask. All things work together in His perfect time.

Day 98