Zack Had It Right

I can honestly say that I believe I have seen every single Saved By The Bell episode ever created. I was talking with my dear friend Krista last night. We were wishing that more people took a time out to dial down relational situations in the moment instead of waiting for them to fester.


Many times during Saved by the Bell, Zack would hit a time out motion. Everything would freeze and he would take time to assess the situation and process it. Now, obviously, life is not as easy and scripted as TV Land. However, maybe we can glean a little lesson here.

Now, I am not perfect at this for sure. It is really hard. I think I am ok at it though. Why is it that we don't have the nerve to take a time out and say "whoa! what did you mean by that?" Instead of reading into things and making assumptions and carrying hurt that turns into anger and eventually may explode. I believe it is fear. Fear of having to deal with a difficult situation, fear of the other person's response, fear that we may be in the wrong as well.

If your feelings are hurt by a friend, with wisdom, why not confront it right away? It doesn't have to be a big deal. Just let them know their actions were hurtful. It can be as simple as, "Hey, the other day when you said (insert your text here), it really hurt my feelings. Did you mean it in that way?" It can only make your relationship stronger. If you don't have friends that you can do that with, why do you call them friends? Just a thought.

I have had friends do this with me. It is a humbling experience but a rewarding one. There are times we hurt the ones we love with or without knowing it. I think we are wise to accept confrontation when we do and make amends. Your friends will love you for it and you will be a better person because of it, in my humble opinion. :D