Discussing mistakes in a relationship

In a relationship, how do you let your significant other down after you know they’ve tried so hard? Don’t you have to forgive when you know that your sweetie made a mistake with the best of intentions? It can happen in any relationship and with something as simple as helping with groceries.

We were recently at a party, and hanging out with another couple, 'Brian' and 'Kara.' After a couple glasses of wine, Kara came over and to catch up. Kara had recently moved to the city and Brian wanted to help her move, but he was recovering from knee surgery. Kara lives in a fourth floor flat in San Francisco which is difficult for someone on crutches. Trust me, I can tell you! She took excellent care of him and Brian wanted to thank her for her love and hospitality.

What would be the appropriate gift for Brian to give her? Brian thought of getting her a present like flowers or wine, but decided to go more of the practical route. He logged into Safeway.com, and had her groceries delivered. Kara opened the door to see a delivery man with groceries and it felt like an angel had appeared.

Brian had thought long and hard about what groceries to order. Because of Kara’s help he ordered her favorites items and not his. After looking through her treasure chest, in the form of grocery bags, she saw something that disturbed her. It was a box of Triscuits! Why would Triscuits stop her in tracks? Because she’d never had a Triscuit before and this innocent little snack must have been someone else’s favorites like an old girlfriend.

I suggested to her that these Triscuits could have been his sister or mother’s favorites as well. She totally agreed and replied, “Brian got almost everything right.” She went on to say that the delivery man would not accept a tip. So I told her, "You know what you could have done? Tipped him in Triscuits!" Do you think these kinds of relationship mistakes happen all the time? Comment below and tell me one of yours…