There’s no denying the importance of a peaceful spirit within the family, especially between husband and wife.

Some couples support each other when one of them feels weak or unsettled. Roles may shift: sometimes the husband is the steadying force, sometimes the wife, creating a harmony that’s wonderful to see. But in my family, it’s different. My husband and I are always in sync emotionally. There’s a plus side to this: we understand each other without words. One thinks something, the other responds, it’s become second nature. But there’s a downside too. Our moods rise and fall together—what one feels, the other feels too.

Picture this: it’s the end of a long, tough day. We’re both tired, overloaded with unpleasant news. I just want to sleep, but my husband’s still working on his laptop, and I’m washing the dishes. Then, suddenly, I drop a cup; it just slips from my hands. It doesn’t break, but it makes a loud clattering sound. My husband flinches, almost like a startled cat, and lets out a few words of frustration.

Now, here’s the important part. I’m not to blame, right? I’m exhausted, longing for sleep, but still working. Why should he be annoyed with me? But…

But he’s just as tired and working too. It’s been that kind of day. He’s not really at fault either. His reaction was spontaneous.

We’re on the same wavelength. I need to remember that, to keep it in mind. So in the end, it doesn’t matter who says it first: “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry,” even if you’re not truly at fault. Sorry for unintentionally causing irritation. We’re both tired, we’re both imperfect, but we’re us. We’re together, and tomorrow will be a new day.

…Sometimes we need to ask for forgiveness just to keep the peace at home, to ensure that home remains whole and united. For the sake of the loved one beside you, who you’d never want to quarrel with.

One says, “I’m sorry,” and the other responds, “No, it’s me who’s sorry!” Like a call and response. And that’s it—after a minute, the clattering cup is forgotten.

Our shared “us” is worth so much more than any cup. And anyway, it didn’t even break.

From the radio program "Private Opinion" on Radio Vera: radiovera.ru/skazat-prosti-natalja-razuvakina.html