I see it all too often both in myself, if I’m not mindful, and definitely in others who haven’t brought a degree of mindfulness to their relationships: irritation with another with no resolve (or understanding of how) to bring it to an end.

For couples, this can turn into habitual bickering, where their “go-to” response towards one another is constantly one of irritation, impatience and frustration…a quick emotional release through a knee-jerk reaction constantly aimed at their partner.

Half the time the irritation may be truly connected to some attribute they see in their partner, whereas the other half of the time it’s used as ego’s way to release any other pent up frustration that has accumulated throughout the day from non-related people or activities.

When both partners’ egos realize this avenue of “bickering” can be used as the instant release they’re looking for the habit begins to cement itself. Blind to what’s going on, ego begins to take over the health of the relationship turning it into its personal playground.

It seizes any opportunity it can to direct its negative energy (frustration, irritation, impatience, etc.) through an attack on …

KEEP READING