The bridge near my house is old. Last week it did not pass inspection and was abruptly closed. This impacts everyone in my town, and countless others who used it when traveling though. Because old patterns are well worn, many of us have forgotten and when faced with the barricades, were forced to turn around and follow a detour. Which takes time. 

Some of the residents on the curvy lanes leading up to it are pleased. Traffic is substantially reduced, and they can stroll on these fragrant spring mornings in peace. Right in the center of the road if they like. 

Structurally, the decision made sense. The girders are rusted through and some of the beams are completely separated from what they are meant to be supporting. While the bridge looks sturdy from a cursory glance, it can no longer hold the weight of a car without risk. And I would not want to be driving the one that dropped through the floor. 

A friend told me that things are friendly with her husband. The feel in the house is pleasant. Yet a therapist listened to some of their grooved patterns and thought differently. 

"Things are fine now, but if real stress shows up, I predict that things would fall apart. You need to find a good counselor. Go in a different direction."

My friend listened. It was true. Communication was not always well attached to their interactions, which you can live with. For a time. Secrecy was eroding their foundation, not from maliciousness but from avoidance. Which undermines trust.

I have a feeling she will heed the signs.