While waiting for the bus,Ruth remembered, "Abel scolded me this y, and he seemed very unloving."
She felt hurt.The hurt was small.Abel had not shouted; yet his voice seemed cold and bitter.
As she continued thinking about it, the hurt grew.She remembered other times when he had hurt her.
Finally she asked herself, " What should I do about this hurt? If I try to hide it,my communication with Abel this evening will be just half hearted.Under the surface I will still feel hurt.
Perhaps I should wait for Abel to say, ' sorry.'
No that won't work because he may not realize that he hurt me. There's only one answer:I must talk with him about the hurt.I will speak honestly, and also respectfully."
That evening when she and Abel were alone,Ruth said softly,"Dear,I think I should let you know that your words this hurt me.
In fact, I've felt hurt All day.Now I feel ashamed for letting such a small thing bother me so much."
After Abel apologized,they were able to communicate and enjoy their evening together.If Ruth had tried to hide the hurt, what kind of evening and bed time would they have had?
