“Never cut what you can untie.” While I am sure it was not her original wisdom, this was nevertheless one of my mom’s favorite sayings to me when I was young and being impatient.

 

This is wonderful advice for many things, but here I am thinking about relationships. Because intimacy requires honesty, close relationships will inevitably include times of tension. How often do we use scissors or a knife, because cutting is much quicker than untying knots when difficulties surface in intimate relationships?

 

Often what is needed when couples collide is some time to unknot the issues. Time is the operative word here. But if we decide in the heat of an angry moment that a swift and clean cut is needed, then what is said and done may be irreparable.

 

So, never cut what you can untie…

 

George