Making Marriage Last
Respect is the most important ingredient for a long marriage.
We are told that 50% of all marriages fail.
But you do not have to be in the 50% which ends prematurely.
Your marriage can make it.
Our American culture has lost its civility.
People quickly resort to name calling and cursing anyone who upsets them, even if they don't know who they are.
There isn't any respect for authority.
There isn't any respect for teachers.
Most professions are derided with very derogatory language.
Surely we can find one haven where we will not be attacked by rudeness and disrespect, can't we? Shouldn't a marriage be a place where two people are committed to respect each other, no matter what? To ensure respect in your marriage, you may follow these principles: Never raise your voice in anger toward your spouse or children.
Never call your spouse, or children, by any derogatory or curse word.
Make it your mission to praise and encourage and respect your spouse in all things.
Find something to compliment your spouse for every day.
Dale Carnegie said, "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain; and most fools do.
" Strong words to remind us not to be the first one to jump into the gutter when there are disagreements.
In fact, it reminds us to just stay out of the gutter.
You may say: "You just don't understand what he/she did to me.
" Or, you might say "We fight all the time.
" Here is the way to stop a fight: Stop fighting! You cannot change another person's behavior.
You can only change your own.
And, if you want peace in your home, be peaceful.
I remember a lady telling me she could not respect her husband because he could not get a respectable job.
He was working cleaning septic tanks, a very filthy way to earn a living.
But, he was earning a living and paying the bills and he deserved respect for that.
Make sure that your respectful words are joined to respectful behavior.
Do loving, respectful things for your spouse.
Surprise her by cleaning the bathroom.
Surprise him by sitting with him while he watches a boring sport on TV.
One of the most disrespectful things a spouse can do is try to change their partner.
If you fell in love with him/her with those quirky traits, sloppy lifestyle and wreckless driving, don't try to change that behavior.
I solved the problem of my wife's driving habits.
I drive.
If you have already established a pattern of foul names, loud arguments, cursing your spouse and turning your home into a war zone, stop.
Get help from a good counselor and start practicing positive, supportive words at home.
Once you change it is amazing how much easier the other person is to live with!
We are told that 50% of all marriages fail.
But you do not have to be in the 50% which ends prematurely.
Your marriage can make it.
Our American culture has lost its civility.
People quickly resort to name calling and cursing anyone who upsets them, even if they don't know who they are.
There isn't any respect for authority.
There isn't any respect for teachers.
Most professions are derided with very derogatory language.
Surely we can find one haven where we will not be attacked by rudeness and disrespect, can't we? Shouldn't a marriage be a place where two people are committed to respect each other, no matter what? To ensure respect in your marriage, you may follow these principles: Never raise your voice in anger toward your spouse or children.
Never call your spouse, or children, by any derogatory or curse word.
Make it your mission to praise and encourage and respect your spouse in all things.
Find something to compliment your spouse for every day.
Dale Carnegie said, "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain; and most fools do.
" Strong words to remind us not to be the first one to jump into the gutter when there are disagreements.
In fact, it reminds us to just stay out of the gutter.
You may say: "You just don't understand what he/she did to me.
" Or, you might say "We fight all the time.
" Here is the way to stop a fight: Stop fighting! You cannot change another person's behavior.
You can only change your own.
And, if you want peace in your home, be peaceful.
I remember a lady telling me she could not respect her husband because he could not get a respectable job.
He was working cleaning septic tanks, a very filthy way to earn a living.
But, he was earning a living and paying the bills and he deserved respect for that.
Make sure that your respectful words are joined to respectful behavior.
Do loving, respectful things for your spouse.
Surprise her by cleaning the bathroom.
Surprise him by sitting with him while he watches a boring sport on TV.
One of the most disrespectful things a spouse can do is try to change their partner.
If you fell in love with him/her with those quirky traits, sloppy lifestyle and wreckless driving, don't try to change that behavior.
I solved the problem of my wife's driving habits.
I drive.
If you have already established a pattern of foul names, loud arguments, cursing your spouse and turning your home into a war zone, stop.
Get help from a good counselor and start practicing positive, supportive words at home.
Once you change it is amazing how much easier the other person is to live with!
