Sometimes you need to take a hard look in the mirror. Sometimes I am extremely hard on my boyfriend. We have an incredible relationship, but sometimes I find myself nitpicking every little thing that I take offense to. I make claims in my head that well I am just reacting to how he is treating me, but to be honest I can never remember who said something dumb in the first place. Most likely it is 50/50, but both of us can be so stubborn that we lose perspective. Being the self-analyzing person I am, it seems that my internal struggles cause external mood swings approximately every 30 seconds. How could expect him to enjoy being around me when I can't enjoy being with me?

He is a lovely person, and sometimes I lose sight of that in my own insecurities and flaws. He is so strong that I have become comfortable enough to use him as my metaphorical punching bag. Why on earth would I ever think it is okay to treat the person I love with such harshness. Sure he can take it, but it comes out in his frustrations and bad moods when he is around me. I love the fun, sweet, kind guy that he is, but he doesn't ever exist when I am not returning his kindness.

Don't take the people you love for granted. Always remember the golden rule: treat other how you would want to be treated. I think sometimes we are so quick to shove the blame onto someone else before we look in the mirror and ask how we could be the problem. Make a change for yourself before you ask someone else to change. You will be amazed at what a difference that will make.

The people you love should be treated with the utmost kindness and respect. We all have bad days but make an effort to not take it out on those closest to you just because it is easy or convenient. People want to be loved. They want to be shown compassion, sincerity, and generosity, and when you treat those around you right, they will mirror you. And if they don't then maybe you can't start to believe there is actually a problem. Think about your words and actions before they are forced into reality. You can't take them back. And the little things you let slip will eventually chip away at your loved ones.

We all have a breaking point. So make sure you are not contributing to the burden of hurt that the people around you have to carry every day. Build them up, show them you care, listen, and be consistent. Keep your side of the street swept. If you can do that, then everything else will take care of itself. As Ellen says, "Be kind to one another."