At first, I didn’t think much of the tally marks my wife had been drawing on her hands. She’s always been quirky, so I assumed it was some harmless habit or a way to track small tasks. But as the days went on, I noticed the marks were becoming more frequent, and her mood seemed heavier.
Curiosity turned into concern, so one evening, I gently asked her what she was counting. She hesitated, clearly reluctant to share. Finally, she admitted that each tally mark represented a negative thought or worry she couldn’t shake off during the day.
Hearing this made my heart sink. I had no idea she was struggling so deeply, quietly keeping track of her internal battles on her skin. It was a stark reminder of how much she was carrying silently while trying to appear fine on the surface.
I reassured her that she wasn’t alone and suggested we find ways to ease her stress together. Whether it was seeking professional help, talking openly, or making small changes to lighten her mental load, I wanted her to know she had my full support.
The tally marks on her hands were more than just numbers; they were a cry for help. And I knew it was time to help her erase them, one by one.
