The original plasma screen televisions had a nasty weakness known as image retention or ‘burn in’.
When the TV was paused on the same image for a long period of time the image would burn itself onto the screen leaving a shadow of itself for the life of television.
The human body has been designed to process the day’s events while we sleep. Once the events are processed they are burnt into our long term memory, destined to remain there.
I recall my husband’s uncle who, when emceeing our wedding reception, gave us great advice- “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger”.
Over the years we’ve attempted to keep that advice as we’ve learnt from personal experience that going to bed angry robs us of a good night’s sleep.
However, there’s a more important reason for not going to sleep angry.
You don’t want your unresolved issues and highly negative emotions being stored into your long term memory where they produce a growing bank of burnt in resentment.
Burnt in resentment leaves an image of distrust and doubt about your relationship.
The longer gap you leave before turning anger off, the deeper the burn in. How do we avoid resentment?
Address relationship issues as they occur. Learn to effectively communicate and express your feelings. Check your expectations are realistic. Take responsibility for your part in the misunderstanding. Work together to reach a compromise.
When you experience a rupture in your relationship, be willing to apologise and forgive if needed.
Clear the screen of your mind and heart before it leaves an indelible impression you can’t remove.
