After talking about the marriage course recently, I receive my E-letter from Care for the Family which included 10 tips for building a marriage. I thought they were spot on so I have included them below. Let me know your comments.
- You don’t have to feel loving in order to be loving.
- Love your husband/wife even when they don’t deserve it. None of us does all the time.
- Choose to treat your marriage partner with respect! Even when hurt or angry, at least be as polite as you would be to a neighbour or colleague. If you wouldn’t be rude to them, why should you be to your partner?
- Recognise that – just like you – your marriage partner sometimes needs somebody to comfort them. Give a them hug, a touch, a reassuring word or listening ear.
- Make a decision to listen to, and understand your husband/wife – before you expect them to listen to you.
- Remember, it’s not what you said, but what they think you said that is the issue. In a conflict, keep to the issue in hand.
- Resist the temptation to say “. . . and while we’re about it, another thing is . . .” It’s extremely difficult to resolve multiple issues at the same time.
- Help and support one another in the ‘little’ tasks of life.
- On sensitive issues, and during disagreements, feed back what you think your partner is saying or feeling – before you say what you think or feel about the matter.
- Appreciate your marriage partner. Be specific about what you like about them.
awalkabout said,
January 31, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
These are very good suggestions. Thanks for sharing!