Seeds of doubt and plants of optimism.

I just wanted to reflect on an interesting thought I had not so long ago (actually, close to when this post was supposed to be up).

In our various relationships with people, we tend to hold onto harsh words we've said to one another. Many times, instead of letting them go or discussing them away, we secretly remember them. Then, in fits of pain and anger, we unleash them, throwing them in each others' faces, as a way to justify our misgivings about certain things. Anger and fear are very related, and not just because they're emotions that have powerful physical consequences. They both can be very destructive to beautiful and horrid things alike.

A pleasant thought occurred to me in response to dwelling on that subject. Why not throw nice things at each other? Nice things don't hurt so much (mainly because they're soft and fluffy), and if we happen to be in bad moods, it's more satisfying to see nice things break. Compliment throwing mid-argument is great, and not just because it throws off your opponent. In important relationships, it serves to let your adversary know that you care about them. Depending on the compliment, it can even show respect mid-thrashing. It makes the bitter medicine easier to take and it makes our own dishes less bitter as well. It also cuts down the regret you may feel afterward or the pain in recalling - and apologizing for - misguided insults. If it happens to save them from coming out in the first place, then so be it.