The Real LJ Idol: "Stirring Up Change"

[similiesslip]

Stirring Up Change
real lj idol | week 21
The Straw That Stirs the Drink- an Idol Intersection with halfshellvenus

Can't you just listen for a minute?

I hate to think of the hurt forming in your eyes. I know it seems like I don't care about you, but I do.

Believe it or not, I didn't start this just to hurt you.

I didn't even like him when I first saw him. Honestly, he

Comments

[similiesslip]

Credit for the idea goes to my partner, HalfShellVenus. She really is brilliant:)

[m_malcontent]

I love these stories together...you guys "get it" that there really are two sides to every story.

[similiesslip]

You're right. People on the outside of a situation sometimes forget that there are many situations, emotions and factors that lead up to marriage problems.

I'm glad you enjoyed them. HalfShellVenus is a great partner and awesome writer!

[java_fiend]

Wow... this is so heartbreaking but I love that you ended on a hopeful note. If it were me, you *know* there would be blood and carnage. :-p You and halfshellvenus worked so very well together in presenting both sides of the coin. Your piece is very emotionally evocative and your voice is very strong. Really great stuff here, lady.

[similiesslip]

The hopeful ending was HalfShellVenus's idea so she deserves all the credit:)

I was impressed with her character and his willingness to forgive. I'm not sure how common that is.

HalfShellVenus was a great help editting too. Sometimes two heads are definitely better than one:)

[java_fiend]

Don't be downplaying how awesome you were, missy. You deserve a fair share of the credit. You both worked well together and created something pretty terrific together. Be proud of your work because it was fantastic.

[ellakite]

I know my parents truly loved each other. Let me tell you how I know this:

When I was *VERY* young (four years old), Mom cooked all the family meals. Day in, day out.

One day, she just couldn't do it any more. She had a genuine screaming fit. Said she was sick to death over slaving over a hot stove.

By that point, Dad was far enough along in his career so that he could set his own hours. So he re-arranged his schedule so that he'd always be home before 5 PM so he could cook dinner for the family.

Mom never willing touched a pot or a pan from that day forward... and Dad *NEVER* asked her to.

My parents didn't always agree on everything... but they understood what was really important, and tried to work out their problems. And for the most part, they succeeded.

A fascinating POV piece. Thanks for sharing.

[similiesslip]

That does sound like true love. Noticing when someone has had their limit and not complaining while quietly solving the problem.

Thank you for sharing your sweet story!

[xo_kizzy_xo]

I love how you and halfshellvenus tied this together. The wistfulness, the disappointment, the thin strands of hope, the cracks in communication...so so true in so many marriages...

[similiesslip]

Thank you for your very poetic comment. Your use of words is just lovely!