How we talk about big things (like fostering a dog)

A guest reflection from Sean

Haley and I have talked several times now about fostering a dog. Initially we thought we’d do it shortly after we moved into our house — but between the chaotic renovations and wedding planning and just getting to know the new area, we decided to wait.

We’re currently thinking about opening our home to another creature in early 2022! (Update May 2022: Our first foster joined us last week!)

I want to share a little about

1. Our conversation on this specific topic and

2. The way we talk in general about things that have a chance of either pulling us apart or bringing us together.

How big of a thing is the big thing?

I’m always hesitant to act like something will be a Big Deal when it’s actually a situation we can easily handle.

There’s no need to build it up into an overwhelming and scary endeavor in our heads when I know in reality we can get through it without a problem. (Kinda just like with Scout — it’s not productive to baby her over every last thing.)

At the same time, decisions like fostering …