In Austin, Texas, we’ve had a string of days with temperatures hovering between 103° and 105°–the hottest July on record! Oppressive heat takes its toll on peaceful living! Unconsciously, we become a bit resentful that we can’t live our lives as we wish because it’s just too hot.

Because we’re unaware, we don’t express our anger with the temperature, our resentment grows, and then the first time someone we love does something we don’t like, we lash out. Then we identify an “issue,” which feeds the initial resentment, and the next thing we know, we’re in a downward spiral—with someone we love!

This happened to me one time when my husband and I were packing for vacation to Colorado. I had looked forward to the trip for a long time, but as we packed our bags, an argument ensued over something, and the next thing I knew, I was threatening not to go on the trip—which he said was fine with him!

But I really wanted to go. I had looked forward to it for weeks. So I called a friend who gave me good advice—CALL A TRUCE. I said, “How do you do that?” He said, “Just drop it. Don’t bring it up again. Finish packing your bags, get in the car, and go.”

So I did.

It wasn’t the easiest car ride I’ve ever had. In fact, during the last portion of the trip, my husband chose to give me the silent treatment. Finally, as we approached the nearest town to our destination, I set a boundary. I said, “If you’re going to continue to give me the silent treatment, then let me off here, and I’ll get a hotel room of my own.”

He decided to change his behavior, and we enjoyed a wonderful vacation—together. I don’t remember what set me off in the first place. Maybe it was the heat.

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