How to Extinguish an Old Flame

< 1 min read

 

It starts out so innocently.  Rummaging through some old things, you run across a faded picture of you and an old flame.  Your mind starts to think about them, “I wonder what ever happened to….?”  And nostalgia prompts you to look them up online.  It’s surprisingly easy to find them and shoot off a message.  Seems harmless, right?  Wrong! Fanning those old flames could start a wildfire that could quickly burn out of control.

Want to extinguish that old flame?  Here’s how.

Get rid of the fuel.

Take all the old pictures, the notes, the gifts, the cards, the clothes…anything that could cause a spark…and get rid of it.  If you’re hesitant to let it go, you need to ask yourself, “Why not?”  Even more reason to let it go.  And whatever you do, avoid the things and activities that could fan the flames.  That means don’t pursue emails, texts, instant messages, Facebook posts…whatever you do to feed the spark.

Light a “Backfire.”

Employ a technique used by firefighters and light a planned burn at home so no other flame can gather momentum.  Stoke this fire so that it burns so bright and hot that it will smother any others.  Try these 8 Outside-the-Box Date ideas to turn the heat up between you and your spouse.

Let’s face it.  Keeping things burning at home will make it easier to extinguish the old flames from your past.

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