In pre- dominantly Catholic countries, the Lenten season is taken seriously. As a practice, Catholics, during Lenten season, make sacrifices either through fasting or abstinence, just like Jesus Christ did for 40 days. Back then, it was a practice that Catholics to abstain from meat every Friday. This was the practice I grew up with. Oh, how I dreaded Fridays when we would have fish for lunch and dinner (I always skipped breakfast anyway). Upon reaching college, the "rules" have changed. You can now eat meat every Friday. The only days you can't eat meat are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (I honestly don't know who makes these rules.) Anyway, though meat is allowed in one's diet during the Lenten season, Catholics think of other ways to fast and abstain. Some give up on smoking for 40 days. Some give up on junkfood. Others give up on chocolate or desserts. They usually give up something they really love.

So what did I give up for Lenten season?

Fighting with A. For 40 days and nights, until Easter Sunday, I cannot get mad at him.

And what did A give up for Lenten season? (Well, I'm not sure if he really gave it up but I dictated that he does.)

He gave up annoying me for the next 40 days and nights.

Works so far! It's a win- win situation!