Today, I got a phone call from a relative at 04:00 am. I woke up in a jolt thinking it was an emergency.
It turns out he has been meaning to call me for some weeks now, and as he woke up today he decided he is not going to wait to place the call. His assumption was I would not pick up the call, and he would be able to tick the box that he has called me. The guilt of not calling will now rest on me.
We had a pretty good conversation about life in general, with lots of laughter. I was actually surprised I did not feel any form of anger.
I ended by telling him not to routinize 04:00 am calls with me, except there is an emergency. As much as I enjoyed the call, I have found setting boundaries to be the only way I can keep my sanity.
I am thankful for a happy start to my day, however unusual.