Everybody in the household hits difficult times, but we react to it in different ways. MOST of the time, we cut each other a little slack, recognize that the particular family member is having a tough go of it, and let them deal with it how they need to.
Adored Wife gets temperamental and irritable when she's not feeling well or she's frustrated or she's having a "bad brain day." When this happens she has to go do something to take her mind off the hook a little bit (usually reading) OR she needs to do some project to feel more in control; she'll straighten, clean, get something checked off the to-do list.
Usually when I'm tired or overdone or hungry I need something to eat and some alone time. I can't be subtle about this; I have to announce it. "I need a sandwich and a book and some peace and quiet for thirty minutes. Thanks." That's pretty much all it takes.
Basement Artist, the introvert's introvert, will get to the point where she's all peopled out. She retreats to her room and we don't bother her for awhile until she's had a chance to recharge.
Social Hurricane, when SHE'S having a bad brain day, requires feeding and attention and one on one time.
Graphics Magician will have occasional meltdowns when he's just generally frustrated with life. (This early adolescence business is tough.) With him we combine feeding and alone time--a snack and a timeout do wonders for his mood (especially if it involves a turn on the computer.)
We have to be good to each other. We're in this together.
Hope all's well out there, friends, and God bless.
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