August 10, 2016 – Something Brilliant

“Something Brilliant”

“Here’s a relationship booster that is guaranteed to work: Every time your spouse or lover says something stupid make your eyes light up as if you just heard something brilliant.”

Rumi (1207-1273) Sufi poet and mystic

   Probably one of the reasons this 13th century Islamic poet is so popular in the 21st is his unique combination of deep wisdom and delightful lightheartedness.

Rumi says that this ploy “is guaranteed.” What does that mean? That it truly “boosts,” that is, improves your relationship? Really? I think your “spouse or lover” would call your bluff pretty quickly and might not be too happy about it.

My interpretation, reading between the lines of Rumi’s advice, is: In any relationship it is important to overlook a lot and pick our battles carefully and rarely.

Why? Well, soon enough we are going to be the ones saying “something stupid” and our spouses/lovers/friends will have their chance to make their “eyes light up.”

When you really think about it, making “your eyes light up” is better than most reactions!