Games

# Chapter 211

There is no use playing these emotional games. The ones were you want to resist the inevitable, when you act surprised that your spouse wants to go to church this morning, even though she is wearing her church clothes and is ready to go. You are playing a game, resisting and delaying and acting. Stop now! Address it directly. Quit being a coward and just say what you are thinking or express what you are wanting and then take action. Clearly and obviously your spouse wants something different, and you have to decide what you want more, your wishes or to please her, and how much of a battle you are willing to put into it.

But stop all this awkward and unnecessary posturing and game-playing in hopes that she will let you off the hook and then you can tell people that she decided not to go. This is not owning your actions one bit! This is playing with all sort of emotional games that will not bring you or anyone around you the slightest bit of health or wisdom. I know I know, you are mentally sending me all the reasons why this was a special circumstance, the time changed, the neighbors called, the shirt you wanted to wear was in the hamper, etc etc. This is all BS. You are not being honest with yourself nor anyone else. Stop being such a weak person and at least tell yourself the truth! You already know it, so why not own it?

Of course I picked a metaphor that may not apply to you and your situation of the moment, but this happens 30 times a day in the drama’s I see unfolding around me. It happens at work, it happens at school, it happens in class, it happens on the ball field, it happens in deciding about lunch. Just quit it!