Rico Blanco's video of him teaching his girlfriend Maris Racal how to drive went viral in the past months. Netizens noticed that, unlike most men who teach their wives or daughters in a loud or angry voice, Rico Blanco is noticeable calm and soft-spoken. Pwede naman pala!

I have been in a car where the driver argues with one of the passengers - which is most of the time his wife. Somehow, a typical movie or teledrama scene. This kind of bickering not only rattles everyone in the car but also ruins the mood of all the passengers. 

But looking intently at how the argument goes, it only boils down to miscommunication. Both parties have a point, but emotions get the best of them that they fail to see past their ideas. The problem lies not in their differences - it can be resolved when you "zoom out" of the situation. The problem usually is in the tone and volume. Loudness doesn't always mean correct. And shouting doesn't make you look right. 

A very helpful tip from relationship experts and even financial gurus is this: don't make a major decision when you're at your emotional peak. Here are possible reasons:

Emotions are momentary

Emotions are like a rollercoaster, it doesn't stay in the same place for a long time. At one time you're happy, full of hope, and feeling ecstatic - then at one time, you'll find yourself afraid, anxious, and a bit down. Emotions are fleeting. You cannot predict how you will feel tomorrow, nor can you program yourself to feel a certain feeling at a certain time. 

So you can't entrust a major decision to something that is not certain. 

Emotions cloud our rational thinking

I know people who, after seeing their exes for a long while, are wondering what went with them and why they fell in love with these unlikely individuals. It's funny, but it's true! Sometimes when we're lost in the middle of our emotions, we lose our sense of reason. We easily get swayed by sweet words from a crook, from a known liar and user, or someone with shady intentions. At times, we let our guards down and our standards crumble when we fall in love. 

This is just a general observation, and I am not suggesting that our exes are all weird, unlovable, or hideous. What I'm saying is when emotions take over, we lose our ability to see the red flags we've been staying away from when we're at our rational selves.

Emotions make you rush

Since emotions are fleeting, it demands that you decide instantly. Anger wants to lash out the moment you feel it. You want to burst like a fierce volcano! Fear wants you to run away and hide from people as soon as you feel it. And happiness wants you to enjoy all things pleasurable no matter what the cost. 

These are but normal, and some emotions are as natural as fight-or-flight responses like fear and disgust, but when left unchecked, they will only cause you more harm than good. 

That's why we should not go shopping when we're in bliss because we'll end up overspending. Deserve ko to! and soon you'll find out you've already used up your allowance.

We also shouldn't make relationship decisions when angry. Cooldown first. You might lash out with words that will ruin the relationship, and regrets come later. 

If you notice children throwing tantrums, they want attention and instant gratification. This is the same with our unchecked emotions. Left in itself, it wants to lead you on and have you make decisions that you might regret later on. 

Closing thoughts

Emotions are normal. It's part of us. And I'm not suggesting it should be repressed not ignored. By all means, we should learn how to acknowledge our feelings. Cry when sad, vent when angry, enjoy and be happy. But we should also learn how to balance our emotions. It's not something that is out of control. We should learn to manage our emotions and always keep ourselves in check. When emotions are rushing over, zoom out.