Emotional Labor

Yesterday I think I used up my emotional labor tank. Not a really long day at the office but after a full day of work, it's nice to come home and debrief a bit. As some of you know I give guitar lessons and on Tuesday's I have 3 after work. I love giving guitar lessons, don't get me wrong. I love seeing the small victories each student has and celebrating them, but these are hour long, emotional labor intensive sessions for me (Kate, if you read this, it has nothing to do with yesterday-ha! Really). After 3 lessons, I met Court to see some of our friends' new house they just bought. And then after stuffing my face with a calorie packed Carl's Jr. burger, I had a 3 hour long practice session for a gig I'm playing this weekend. This is not meant to be a sap story. Please don't hear that. I realize that many of you are just as busy or busier and this day is not a good representation of a normal day. However, my point is that emotional labor can be taxing. But, I believe, this is what holds our relationships together. The amount of energy you put into your relationships, and conversations, and interactions with people, will more than likely reflect what they give you back. I'm a bit of an extrovert so most of the time being around people infuses me with energy. But every once in a while, it's draining. I'm just glad I have a wife whom after I tell her that I had a draining day says, "We don't have to talk. I understand. Can I do anything for you?" Yeah, she's that awesome.