Take no Offense

Every one of us, at some time or another has said or done something to hurt another person, something we deeply regret.  Hopefully, if we are a loving, kind person, it was inadvertent.  If that was the case, we likely made a sincere apology and were careful not to let it happen again.  But when we are on the receiving end of hurtful words or actions, it becomes our responsibility, as a person in a loving relationship, to take no offense.  Sometimes this is easier said than done, but it helps to revisit the loving principle of “understanding” and let it become our strategy to overcome the hurt we feel.  If his behavior seems out of character, we can look for a deeper understanding of his personal circumstances: is he ill, tired, worried or under a lot of pressure.  If he is unusually angry or frustrated we can seek to understand the source, even calmly asking, “Are you angry with me?”  If it is because of something we did, we can try to resolve it; if it is because of something/someone else and he is dumping on us for convenience, that question often gives him enough pause to assess and correct his behavior himself.  Understanding and compassion also go a long way to help us take no offense, to not take it personally when she can’t take his phone call because the toilet just overflowed or the toddler just threw up all over the sofa.  When he is late getting home because he came upon a car accident and he stopped to render aid.  There are many times we could take offense, but for every time we don’t the relationship grows stronger.