Day 24: Arguing
It was different. That was the first thought Robin registered. She was seated on the couch, and Barney at the counter, both waiting in frustrated silence. She had noticed that their discussion was escalating, on the brink of becoming an argument, and the realization hit her that this was all very civil.
Barney was first to break the silence, speaking rapidly from being so worked up. Robin's heart quickened, feeling the anger boiling within her. But they spoke rationally- albeit loudly- and that was something entirely new.
It was their first spat after the proposal, and already Robin could see the signs that they truly had changed since last being together.
When they were dating, the disputes were more like brawls. They were always the same- a small issue arose, someone became angry and started yelling. The other would scream back, both fighting to be heard over each other. One of them, usually Robin, would toss out an insult that cut deep. They'd insist the whole relationship had been a mistake, and spit doubt after doubt like venom. And then insults began flying from both directions, old arguments mixing with the current matter at hand. Someone, typically Barney, would storm out with the final word. Whatever was said, it was meant to hurt the other. To strike a nerve. They wanted it to sting.
But then there were the calm arguments, if you could call them that. Again, a minor problem would arise and someone would begin yelling. If it was Robin who'd caused the issue, she'd take her clothes off. The second Barney's voice rose, the buttons of her blouse were undone.
And if it was Barney's fault, he'd do what he did best- run away.
Yet here they were, two level-headed adults, to those who didn't know any better. Now as they fought, no one walked out. Their clothes stayed on (at least until all was resolved). Old disputes were left in the past- exactly where, they had come to realize, they belonged.