Argument the longest distance between two points.

In Letters to Karen,
a book written to his daughter
by Author Charlie W. Shedd, he shares
“Our Seven Official Rules for a Good, Clean Fight.” They are:

Before we begin
we must both agree that the time is right.
We will remember
that our only aim is deeper understanding.
We will check our weapons often
to be sure they’re not deadly.

We will lower our voices
one notch instead of raising them two.
We will never quarrel or reveal private matters in public.
We will discuss an armistice whenever either of us calls “halt.
When we have come to terms, we will put it away
till we both agree it needs more discussing.

Says Shedd,
“No small part of the zest
in a good marriage comes from working
through differences. Learning to zig and zag
with the entanglements; studying
each other’s reactions under pressure;
handling one another’s emotions intelligently
all these offer a challenge that simply can’t
be beat for sheer fun and excitement.”

We can experience that
“sheer fun and excitement”
when we learn to apply the above rules
for a good, clean fight and apply ourselves
to open, honest communication.