In sports one should never enter the arena without a desire and passion to win. Someone will win, someone will lose.

In business, winning is not a zero sum game as sports usually is.
In business, there are, most times, enough chances to allow many boats to rise the tide of opportunity.

In relationships, winning is sometimes losing. If you are always out to win…. you may find your relationships short-lived.
Winning an argument may give you satisfaction in one area…to the depletion of satisfaction in another.

One can win a ” fight” with the spouse…
and destroy the others self-confidence.

In a marital relationship, when words are exchanged with tension or raised voices…an examination of the intent
without a rationalization of ones position might allow the insight that brings an apology.

Dying to a position or stance can win over ones spouse because backing away from destruction or domination reveals a heart that… even in a disagreement ….
loves more than it desires to win.

Gaining the whole world but losing ones soul is parallel to going balls out
to win an argument which in turn destroys the heart and spirit of the girl you pursued so passionately years ago.

Going to the wall is an absolute in the arena ….it can be right in the business world… but count the cost before going that distance in a relationship.

It might be too far.

I have a very close friend who got quite mad at me once for not doing what he thought I should. I chose not to allow that tension to affect my feelings toward him. I made no retaliatory comments.

About a week later,
he asked me if I “still loved him”.

I did.
I told him I did and said nothing about
the earlier tension.

In the middle of this competitive sports season when by all rights, Coaches should be displeased with
bad performance even in a big win…

And in this soon-to-be-Fall season when business emphasizes finishing strong ….

Be careful to count the cost for that same behavior ….relationally.

Don’t fuss about the house being a mess…. If your clothes are not in their proper place. Be careful not to make comments about your spouses appearance… if you are physically amiss.

Boys speak before they think…
Men should not.

Winning isn’t always winning.

Terry
September 2016