"Bridle Your Ugly"

If everything is always sweet in a relationship, 

you won't know how to act when moments turn a little sour.

But fighting is tricky, 

because we slip the reins of control many a time,  

and gallop down an avalanche of hateful words.

We all have our default defenses. 

I've noticed times when I'm really tired of a problem, 

or really wounded by someone, 

I just want to burn that bridge entirely  

and lock down like a Swiss bank.

So what is my defense for that defense? 

To restrain myself from engaging in heated discussions. 

But... that leads to apathy and communication problems.

Not exactly healthy.

I was taught in school that it's good for children 

to see their parents argue, 

with the stipulation that they also watch them resolve the issue together. 

Sure, that sounds simple enough, 

but try remembering that textbook answer 

in the middle of a blood-boiling battle. 

So, how can we argue effectively?
Simple answer:
By keeping the worst of our tempers at bay. 
Okay, but how?
By maintaining respect for each other. 
Someone may have wronged you so badly that
they earned a special spot in your envisioned Hell,
but they are still a learning human.
With many faults.
Like you.

I used to associate the phrase,
"bridle your passions"
to mean living a grayscale, dulled-down life.
But I've rephrased it to help myself grasp its intended meaning:
"Bridle your ugly."

Try to argue and love at the same time.
Usher in kindly the sweet among the sour 
to taste juicier and more nourishing relationships. 

{images via WeHeartIt}