Awhile back John asked me to make a change. He chose his words carefully and spoke without blame. He simply wanted me to be more quiet when waking Benjamin up. It wasn’t a difficult task to close the door behind me and speak in hushed tones. In the weeks since I think I’ve complied. 

But he hasn’t mentioned it again. 

I guess it is enough to know that I have been open to influence. That is after all an attribute of a vibrant relationship. But part of me is waiting for him to say thank you. 

This is a chance for me to do a quick review. Recently I have asked the twins to clear the table from dinner. They have obliged me. 

Have I expressed my gratitude? Hmm. 

There are any number of times I have asked Ben to take out the compost. What are the stats for me noticing? It is perhaps easier to observe an overflowing can than an empty one. Hence the need to up my game. 

This morning I got out of bed and walked gently past the two baskets of clean clothes I did not wash, into his room to say good morning. After he was dressed we went downstairs for breakfast. I plopped the orange peels in the compost bin without thinking. The table showed no evidence of last night's pasta. Not that I said anything. How can you see what is not there?

It’s ok if John sleeps through my morning ritual with Ben. The soft sounds of snoring are enough to feel content.