The 🎆 Before the 🔥: Impatience in Relationships

Hey LoMM family! It’s been so long — too long! I’m sorry for the delay, but considering I usually write these posts after “being inspired,” I’d say the delay means fewer disagreements on my end… and that’s exactly the goal of LoMM content. So cheers to that, right?! You better celebrate me!! 😂 Anyway, let’s get into how impatience is the spark that ignites many heated exchanges. Recognizing the impact impatience has on our conversations and relationships can drastically improve how we communicate — helping us speak more tenderly and, in turn, reduce conflicts.

Take me, for example. I’ve noticed how quickly my earlobes heat up when I have to repeat myself in ordinary conversations. Multiply that by social media, cultural catchphrases, song lyrics, and the constant vibe that “ain’t nobody got time for that,” and it’s easy to see how we’re being trained to respond impatiently. To be honest, before the revelation that led to this post, I was out here as an impatient A-hole, walking around talking about “Don’t try me, try Jesus!” Yeah… I was part of the problem. But I digress. 😩😂

Here’s the kicker: Repeating yourself is a natural part of communication.Sometimes we repeat for clarity. Other times for reassurance. It’s as normal as the sun rising in the east.

So why does repeating ourselves turn into the spark that lights a raging wildfire in our relationships? Because impatience grows where familiarity and comfort live. The people closest to us — our spouses, partners, kids — become the ones we assume “should already know.” And if they don’t, we take it personally. Instead of offering grace, we treat repeating ourselves like an insult, rather than simply part of human communication.

Impatience in relationships is often a subtle sign of undervaluing those closest to us.We take for granted the people we should value most. We forget that patience is actually a form of respect. Let’s be real:A lack of patience quickly becomes a lack of courtesy. And courtesy is the foundation that prevents conflicts. Without it, we slip into anticipatory, preconceived responses instead of listening. Here’s how it happens:

• Your spouse asks you to explain something again.
• You roll your eyes or sigh loudly.
• You mutter, “Never mind, so you got it,” before they even answer.
• Or worse — you say nothing, but your face says everything. Sound familiar? Even before my partner finishes her sentence, my ears are burning, my jaw is tight, and my mind’s busy crafting a sarcastic comeback. Sometimes the response I expect is exactly what I get — and that only fuels my frustration. Other times, the response is completely different, but my body language has already betrayed me. I’ve sold my patience for a cheap price, and suddenly we’re off to the races, arguing about tone, disrespect, or something that has nothing to do with the original question. Impatience isn’t just about losing our cool — it’s about losing connection.It’s about missing the chance to show care, kindness, and respect to the people who matter most.

So here’s my challenge to the LoMM family: Next time your ears start to heat up, take a breath. Pause. Remind yourself that repeating something is normal — not an attack. Don’t sell your peace, your connection, or your relationship for the cheap price of impatience. Your relationship is worth more than your pride.

Let’s keep working on this together. Because a little patience might just save you from the spark that becomes a flame.

Let me know if this was accurate or how it speak or relates to your experience.