We have often heard over the years that there is a time for everything; there is a time for rain and a time for sunshine; a time for sorrow and a time to rejoice; a time to tear down and a time to build up; a time to talk to your partner and a time to wait.

Why I am telling you there is a time not to talk to your partner? Aren’t we strong proponents of open communication? Let me explain.

Many times in our years together I wanted to tell William something but I knew the timing was just not right. Especially when it was a charged subject that I believed may not have sat well with him or got him riled up.

When the house is in disarray and the kids all need something, or when a teenager walks in the door after being out all night, or when your partner arrives home from a frustrating day at work, these are not good times to discuss a heated subject with your partner.

In your adult wisdom, it is important to step back and evaluate your situation, making sure that when you are ready to discuss the topic with your partner, the environment around the discussion is appropriate. You must understand your partner enough to know when that time is.

I know that sometimes this is just not possible and some things need to get discussed regardless of what is going on around you. When our kids were young it was difficult to find a time when the house was not loud and the kids didn’t need our attention. Even then it was very important to step back and evaluate before speaking.

I realize that when you both need to discuss something, it has to be discussed. Don’t put off until tomorrow what needs to be done today, but at the same time, if there is a better opportunity to talk tomorrow, and it can wait, then wait.

Stop and evaluate: “Is this the right time to discuss something important, or is it a time to wait?”