09:22 15April 13 2014 San Diego, California by GS Jade Barrett, CsbNews correspondent A P Herbert
“The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep” – A P Herbert
While a very strong partnership is to be appreciated, it is to be expected that the two parties will not see eye to eye on every detail of the game. For example (of which there are more than a few), to watch the multiple World Champion Italian Team compare results after a match would lead the average observer to believe that they are highly dysfunctional instead of the amazingly effective group of exceptional partnerships they continue to be.
Every passionate endeavor has its moments of conflict between the best of friends, partners, teams or spouses – the key to success is how these debates become resolved. Occasionally, the best path is to accept that you will just have to agree to disagree on the judgment issues that arise. Communication clarification is the most vital aspect of any discussion, as the language utilized in the bidding and the play must be a constant; understandable and coherent for each of the individuals involved.
Studies of marriages of at least thirty years or more discovered that most of them had arguments or fights, but remained successfully together due to their continued acts of kindness towards each other. Bridge partnerships have similar characteristics.
It needs to be remembered that all of the bad results, failures and heated discussions will lead to stronger, healthier relationships when they are handled in a constructive manner. Limit the commentary to the facts and leave the observations that challenge the sanity or intellect unsaid.
