My man and me, we been together since the cows came home. We seen a lot, let me tell you. And yes, we had them times, you know, them rough patches. Everybody gets ’em. Like weeds in the garden, they just pop up. Makes you wonder, “How long these darn things gonna last?”
Rough Patch, What’s That?
Well, honey, it’s when things ain’t so sweet. Like when the well runs dry, and you gotta haul water from the creek. It’s when you’re snappin’ at each other more than a hound dog at a fly. Could be about money, could be about the kids, could be ’bout nothin’ at all, just a feeling, a bad one. Like a storm cloud that just hangs there. You wait for the rain, wait for it to pass. But how long will the rough patch last? That is the million-dollar question, right?
Sometimes it is little things. You know, he leaves his socks on the floor one too many times. Or I forget to put the lid back on the sugar bowl. Little things that build up like dust bunnies under the bed. Then, bam! You’re in a full-blown argument about who drank the last of the milk. These are short rough patches, like a summer squall. They blow over fast. A few days, maybe a week, tops.
- Money troubles, those are the worst. Like a drought that just won’t quit.
- Kids actin’ up, testin’ your patience thinner than a worn-out dishrag. That’s another rough patch starter.
- Just plain old tired. Tired of the same old, same old. That can make things rough, too.
How Long Do These Rough Patches Last?
Now, how long do rough patches last in a relationship? Well, that’s like askin’ how long a piece of string is. Depends, you see. Sometimes, it’s just a few days. Like I said, those little spats, they come and go. You make up, you move on. No use cryin’ over spilled milk, as they say.
But sometimes, oh honey, sometimes it can last a good long while. Weeks, even months. Like when you’re savin’ up for somethin’ big, and every penny counts. That can put a strain on things. You’re both on edge, worried, snappin’ at each other. Those rough patches can feel like they’re gonna last forever.
I remember one time, the crops failed. We didn’t have two nickels to rub together. My man, he was worried sick. Me too. We fought like cats and dogs. Seemed like that rough patch would never end. But we stuck it out. We worked hard. We figured things out. Took a while, though. Months, it was. Maybe longer. That rough patch sure did last.
Fixing a Rough Patch
But you know what? Most rough patches, they do pass. Just like the seasons change, things get better. You talk, you listen, you remember why you hitched your wagon to that person in the first place. The sun peeks out and you remember the good stuff, like how you used to laugh until your sides hurt. When you are in that rough patch, it feels like it is going to last forever. But if you work at it, it won’t. Most of the time.
You gotta weed out the bad stuff, the resentment, the anger. Plant some good seeds. Kindness, patience, a little bit of sugar. And you have to communicate with each other, even if it hurts to hear. You have to admit you are wrong. And you have to forgive, not hold grudges. That is how you get through the rough patch. If you do not do these things, the rough patch could last a long time.
It ain’t always easy. Nope. Sometimes it’s hard work, like pullin’ weeds on a hot summer day. But it’s worth it. ‘Cause a good relationship, a good marriage, that’s like a sturdy house. It can weather any storm, as long as you’re both workin’ on the fixin’. How long will the rough patch last? Only you can answer that.
So, how long do rough patches last? Well, they last as long as they last. But they don’t have to last forever. Not if you don’t want ’em to. Just remember to water the good stuff, pull out the weeds, and keep on lovin’. That’s the secret, right there. And maybe don’t leave your socks on the floor. I think that is a good idea for both of you.
Keep your chin up. You will get through this rough patch, no matter how long it lasts. You just have to believe that you will. You and your partner are a team. You will get through this rough patch together. Remember that. You can handle anything as long as you are together.
