Curiosity is Underrated

As we are catching up with the year 2017, we are binge-watching “Stranger Things.” I’m not usually a sci-fi admirer. But the show captivates me with how middle school and high school students’ curiosity is used to discover issues and solve them while most of the adults stand around.

This show reminded me of the importance of curiosity in relationships – especially long-term ones.

We’ve been married over 50 years and I think I know everything about Hubbie. I know I’ve heard many of the same stories over and over and over. However, just the other day, Hubbie revealed a story I’ve never heard. I popped out of my zoned-out state to ask, “What did you say?”

He thought he had recounted this story multiple times and yet I had never heard it.

And the curiosity continues with things we think we already know. For instance, I know Hubbie doesn’t care for my cooking (best compliment I get is “This one is edible!”). Yet, I still ask if he wants a bite. Sometimes, he’ll acquiesce and taste to find out he really likes it! Now I no longer assume he’ll hate my cooking. I’ve become curious to see if he’ll eat it!

And the curiosity continues with myself as well. When I think I’m in a slump, I’ll try being curious about my rigid thinking. I’ll start off with, “What if…” and check to see if something new might work.

This month of love, consider being curious – about the relationship with yourself, with loved ones, with strangers. Discover what you might have in common. Use your curiosity to be open to love.

Katie