Love and Respect - Follow the Checklist Part 3

Part 3: Understanding

Men,

Remember the C-O-U-P-L-E: How To Spell Love To Your Wife

Closeness

Openness

Understanding

Peacemaking

Loyalty

Esteem

Closeness and Openness were already discussed in previous post.

The third checklist is for Understanding.

She'll feel you're trying to understand her when:

-you listen and can repeat back what she said.

-you don't try to "fix her problems: unless she specifically asks for a solution

-you try to identify her feelings

-you never dismiss her feelings, no matter how illogical they may seem to you

-you say, "I appreciate you sharing that with me"

-you don't interrupt her when she's trying to tell you how she feels

-you apologize and admit you were wrong

-you cut her some slack during her monthly cycle

-you see something that needs to be done and you do it without a lot of hassle

-you express appreciation for all she does: "Honey, I could never do your job"

-you pray with her and for her

We are half way through the checklist! You will not be able to do everything always but try a couple at first and add to the list.  Do your best but most importantly realize you cannot love your wife without God living through you. 

"“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Yes, nothing. The only way God can live through you is to have a relationship with Him (Rom 10: 9-13).

Have a great day and enjoy your bride today,

Marc

Eggerichs, Emerson. "Understanding - Don't Try To Fix Her; Just Listen." Love & respect: the love she most desires, the respect he desperately needs. Nashville, TN: Integrity Publishers ;, 2004. p 154. Print.