“So, how about we skip the pleasantries and get straight to what's important?” he suggested, pulling up a chair at the table.

You nodded, setting the spatula down, you turned to face Justin completely, leaning against the table for support. “Look, Justin. I know we both said some pretty harsh things yesterday. Things we don't mean. But I think it's important for us to talk about what got us there in the first place.”

You took a deep breath, calming your mind. “I think lately, our communication has been lost. It's as if we no longer listen to each other. And that scares me, because I don't want to lose what we have.”

Your voice shook slightly with emotion. ”So, tell me honestly. What happened to you?"

Seeing the fragility in your eyes, Justin felt guilty. He knew he had fallen into bad habits lately. “Yeah, you're right,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair nervously. ”We need to communicate better. And I think part of the problem is that I've been closing myself off lately.”

He sat at the dining table, watching you finish preparing breakfast. “My work is very busy, and sometimes when I come home, all I want to do is daydream in front of the TV. But that’s not fair to you or our relationship.”

Hearing him admit his own shortcomings made you smile slightly. It was a relief to see him own up to his actions instead of shying away from the blame.

“That's understandable. We need to find a balance, Justin. Between work and life and everything else.”

You carried the plates to the table, placing them in front of each chair. Your voice trailed off as he sat down across from you, reaching for the bottle of syrup on the table. "Anyway, let's eat first, talk later?"

“Yeah, sure,” he immediately agreed, “let's eat first.”

While chewing his food thoroughly, he considers your suggestion. “After breakfast,” he started to swallow his food, “how about we go for a walk or something? Maybe go hiking in a park near town? Fresh air always helps clear my mind.”