For those Seinfeld fans out there, you might remember the episode about Festivus. It's one of my favorite episodes for one specific reason – the Airing of Grievances.
I'm going to make a controversial statement here, but I feel that it is very accurate for the most part. So if you are an outsider for this statement, please skip this blog and return tomorrow.
So here goes.
I don't think women ask for help enough. Also, I think they expect their partners to read their minds from time to time.
I am not assigning blame. I'm making a blanket statement that I've found in myself and other women. Also, I'm not excusing partners from not being a little more thoughtful.
Regardless, the result is usually the same - anger, frustration, and sometimes homicidal thoughts. Freedom from these damaging thoughts is why I LOVE the Airing of Grievances because it forces us to reveal our true feelings.
I guarantee you will feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. Not so much for your family, but it will let everyone know how you feel. They can decide if they want to heed your advice or possibly face your wrath.
In Seinfeld, Festivus and the Airing of Grievances came once a year around Christmas. I suggest you do it at least four times a year, like a Quarterly Business Review where you tell your family if you're getting your return on investment with them.
Let's get started with my family because I like to provide examples, and I'm feeling a little scrappy!
Mark (my husband):
Would it kill you to NOT put your shoes directly outside the door leading into the garage? You know I stumble over dust. I can guarantee I will fall over your shoes. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Your pockets are the clown car of the pants world. Each night you unload enough "crappy-dos" from your pockets that I have no idea how you sit down each day. Then, you fill a Sterilite 50 qt. Container each week with all the garbage from your pockets! Let's introduce you to the latest innovation – a trashcan. Throw that stuff out instead of putting it in your pockets! Your pants will thank me!
Braeden (my son):
No means NO! It is not the start of our negotiations. Terrific if this skill enables you to have a very successful sales career. Unless you sign a notarized contract saying that you will take care of all of my financial needs after you graduate college, I don't want to be your practice customer until then.
Who said you could move out in your college apartment at nineteen and become independent? So heretofore, I will no longer refer to you as Bubinsky but as Braeden (but you're still my best friend).
Hadley (my daughter):
Just because you can drive and have a car does not mean you should travel every inch of Jacksonville during rush hour. You are supposed to work your way up to these things.
When you were little, you promised always to be my baby forever. You turn seventeen on Saturday and start your senior year of high school next Tuesday. You have irrevocably damaged my trust in your word (but you're still my best friend).
Taffy & Moo (my dogs):
I should be able to eat at the dinner table without protecting my plate of food like a prisoner. Just because you can smell it or see it does not make it yours.
Would you please stop sleeping under my feet in the kitchen? I am concentrating on not burning down the house, so I cannot always see you. Also, I prefer not to die from falling over you and cracking my head open on the countertop, Secret Ninja Assassin Doodle!
I don't know about you, but I feel so much better now. See you in three months for the next Airing of Grievances.
Let's hear it, Ladies! Commence the Airing of Grievances!
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