In my quaint corner of the planet mail travels as far as the post office and it is up to me to go unlock the box and grab it. Occasionally I get behind on errands and there are three or four days worth of letters and advertizements smashed in the compartment. 

 

The other day I had a thought, as I was unstuffing bent bills from the crowded space behind "547".  If I never came to the post office to get them, maybe I did not have to pay them. If the bad news is not received, how can I be expected to pony up? Or perhaps I could be selective, and weed out the credit card statements and only take the personal letters and invitations.

 

But reason rushes in like a third year law student, explicating that I am still accountable. 

 

Sometimes husbands or wives deliver unwanted messages to each other. 

 

"Honey, what you said hurt my feelings."

 

"The kids miss you. Can you stay home tonight?"

 

"Money is tight this month. It would be great if you packed lunch instead of going out."

 

It can be tempting to leave such information in the box, and never open it. But the onus is on you.

 

While it is more enjoyable to hear messages of affirmation, a responsible relationship needs to listen to the accounts receivable too. 

 

 

 

Photo by Jenny Stein

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