Okay let’s do this litmus test thing people keep talking about. Honestly? Sounded fancy and science-y, totally not my usual cup of coffee. But hey, everyone says it helps simplify tough calls. Figured why not give it a real spin and see what bites. Buckle up.
Starting Simple, Ended Up Confused
See, yesterday was decision hell. My partner was pushing hard for this big family camping trip next month – said it was “essential bonding time.” Meanwhile, my gut just screamed “EXHAUSTING.” But I felt guilty saying no outright. Classic gridlock.
That’s when the whole “litmus test” popped back into my head. Remembered it vaguely from high school chemistry ages ago – something about acids turning blue paper pink. Seemed irrelevant to life choices, but the idea kept coming up in management books: find the one clear indicator to cut through the noise.
Digging Through Drawers Like a Squirrel
Went hunting for anything physical to represent it. Rummaged through my office junk drawer – seriously, who keeps half this stuff? Found:
- A pile of old sticky notes.
- Three dried-up highlighters.
- Receipts from last year.
- And finally… buried under tangled cables… a battered chemistry set my nephew left behind. Jackpot! Inside, a little booklet with some faded blue litmus paper strips.
Felt a bit ridiculous holding this flimsy paper. But hey, committed now.
Staring at Blue Paper Like a Weirdo
Said out loud: “Right, what’s the ONE thing this trip MUST achieve to be worth the hassle?” The answer felt obvious, almost embarrassing: Will this actually help us relax together?
My partner instantly said “Of course! Nature! Campfires!” But then the real acid test kicked in. Pushed that single question:
“So how does pitching a tent after 5 hours traffic, chasing toddlers away from poison ivy, while mosquitoes eat us alive… relax anybody?”
Silence.
Took that blue strip – literally held it over the conversation – and just asked: “Genuinely? Yes or No? Does this scenario = Relaxation?” The answer was as clear as that strip staying blue after dipping in water. No.
The Acid Burned Through the Mess
Suddenly, all the other “reasons” (bonding! adventure! making memories!) felt weak. If the core thing – relaxing together – wasn’t gonna happen because we hate camping with toddlers, why wreck a weekend? Found ourselves brainstorming actual relaxing stuff right then: weekend BBQs at home? Day trips to the zoo? Easy wins.
Litmus test? Turns out it’s just finding that one burning question your answer can’t dodge. That acid cuts through the wishy-washy fog, burns away the guilt, and leaves the decision stupidly simple. Blue paper just reminded me to look for the reaction. Simple calls? Definitely stealing this trick for next time my inbox explodes or another “amazing opportunity” lands. Find the acid test. Dip the paper. Done.