Honey had some work stuff and I tagged along last week to Florida to soak up some much-needed vitamin D. I love leaving the Seattle area when it is raining knowing I am headed for clear skies and warm days. Over the years Honey and I have developed a pattern when we rent a car; I am the map-reader, he is the driver. My unofficial title is Co-Piloto. Honey has a keen sense of direction. Usually getting around a new area is pretty easy once I have the map figured out and Honey has his bearings. We think we should apply to be on the Amazing Race.
On one trip we decided to attend a concert. It seemed like a good idea when we were at the kitchen table searching a laptop map. The venue looked about 30 minutes from our hotel. We intended to shuttle to our hotel and cab to the concert a few days later. Good intentions. After arriving we checked with the concierge and found a cab ride would cost over $200. One way.
So we rented a car for the day. Along the way we hit a couple of detours that were no big deal. The IPhone re-calibrated. It was after midnight on the return trip. We hit the same detours and handled them with ease. Then a new issue; the freeway was closed ahead and we had no choice but to exit. That was not on my map. It was stressful but again we got back on course. All became calm, we were familiar with the rest of the drive, I set my phone aside.
Relationships can be a lot like navigating a new territory. A few bumps along the road figuring each other out, a wrong turn or two causing some frustration, anger or tears and then relaxed, as everyone seems to be traveling down the same road. Most of us have many people in our lives: friends, family, spouses, co-workers. Each is a unique opportunity to value and appreciate each other. Sometimes an action, a word, a text or e-mail can get us off course. Our intentions might come from a spirit of teamwork, collaboration and shared resources. A teammate might take a complete U-turn and head in the opposite direction feeling devalued, unappreciated and angry.
The concert journey was not over. We were headed in the right direction, cruising along. Then one last large, orange lettered sign flashed “BRIDGE CLOSED AHEAD.” If you live in Seattle, it would be like having the 520 Bridge over Lake Washington closed. Only you have no idea how to get to the I90 Bridge and there is no option of driving around the water. Honey kept driving and told me to find the other bridge. What other bridge? My map was only showing one way across the bay. I frantically searched my phone as we entered a sketchy part of town. I asked Honey to pull over. Honey kept driving. My map kept trying to re-calculate. I asked Honey to pull over. Honey kept driving. Finally out of sheer frustration, I yelled, “Pull over!” Honey kept driving.
Did I mention his sense of direction is awesome? His internal GPS had already re-calibrated, much faster than my phone. And he trusted I would figure it out. It can work out with our teammates, too. Collaboration might work best when we each have our own map and are willing to see the road from a different view.
And, I secretly think Honey might have some sort of super power. Because seriously, how did he know about that other bridge?
