Farmer Nappy’s “Chippin down de road” song comes to mind when I think about couples and their disagreements. He sings “I chippin’ down de road with meh own woman.” One way for couples to agree or minimize their disagreements is to take on board chipping down the road with their own partner.
The vibe of “chippin down de road” can be a vibe of collaborating, understanding, and having mutual respect. Couples chippin down the road, are gracefully moving together, and are unlikely to be in conflict. It is difficult to chip down the road with someone unless you synchronize with them.
Couples counselors have used the analogy of dance for couples to find the middle ground while not compromising their own values. It has been used to synchronize movement where two persons learn to navigate the steps of disagreement in harmony. In a dance, effective communication is the essential music that guides the couple through the routine and each partner takes a turn leading and following, expressing their perspectives with grace and openness.
The analogy of dance emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Like dancers who must synchronize their steps to create a seamless performance, couples must work together to find common ground. This involves active listening, where each partner acknowledges and respects the other’s feelings and viewpoints. It’s a dance of vulnerability, where both individuals expose their true selves, allowing the relationship to deepen and strengthen.
Mutual respect is the elegant twirl that elevates the dance. Recognizing and valuing each other’s uniqueness, opinions, and emotions fosters an environment of trust and understanding. As our Carnival journey unfolds, let’s work on “chippin down de road” as an opportunity to strengthen our relationships, collaborate with our partners, and strengthen our bonds. Happy Couples Carnival to all!
Dennise Demming 