Tiny Little Whispers

Nah, I'm not talking about those sweet little nothings whispered lovingly into your ear by your significant other. I'm talking about the cumulative effect of outside influence on your relationship from friends and family and even
strangers who seem to find strange satisfaction in putting the pressure on,especially in public situations. You know what I'm talking about. You and your man are at a wedding having a great time and it seems that by the end of the night every single guest has asked you when you're next, putting a damper on your good mood.

"So when are you making an honest woman out of her?" someone may ask your man. Immediately beads of sweat form on his brow and he looks around awkwardly for an easy exit while you put a hand on your hip and glare at him for an answer. He feels 10 pairs of eyes burning through him and just wants to escape, and
you feel immense pressure from your girls to get an answer out of him. Although at that moment you may have been happy with the status of your relationship, inevitably this leads to controversy and even arguments right then and there. Believe me, I've had more than my fair share of this during seven plus years of dating my husband. We'd go to baptisms and all I'd hear was how cute our baby would be along with barrages of questions asking when was IT going to happen. We'd go to weddings and I'd have other women give me the coveted
bouquet, saying rather snarkily, "You need this more than I do."

Another thing to watch out for is other men feeding you a line. They'll prey on your relationship insecurities and play the "I'm looking out for you like a friend" role all while trying to hook up with you. I can't tell you how
many times I've heard, "If you were my girl, I'd take you off the market."

I think its important to have relationship goals and if its not moving in the direction you want, to re-evaluate the situation but it's also important not to let outside influences wreck your relationship. Be happy in the moment and keep your goals on the horizon but don't let pressure from others ruin what is a good thing. Next time your man is assaulted with questions, instead of joining the pack of cackling women, just smile and deflect their questions. It will really throw them off if you present a united front and have his back. Don't make him feel backed into a corner and never let them see you sweat. Deal with your man in private, not in front of an audience who wants a show.

I'd love to hear your stories about how outside influences have affected your relationship. Get at me!