Yes, I’m back with the alphabetical marriage blogs. Today it’s Rs turn. And I’ve got three critical Rs. Aretha got it right when she sang about it and it should be a key ingredient in marriage – respect.
Respect
This is as an even more important ingredient in a marriage than the one which follows it, though that one is necessary too. Wives need to respect their husbands. But it’s not all one way. Husbands also need to respect their wives. In each case this means not putting them down, not treating them like they are inferior or second class citizens, not making them feel worthless or that they are not valued, not making snide comments to them or to others about them. All of that is showing a distinct lack of respect for the person they are. Your spouse needs to know that you respect them, their ideas and input.
Romance
All marriages need some romance in amongst the every day. We can’t live in a honeymoon stage all our married life, but a little romance never hurts. It might be an evening out without the kids or a candlelit dinner. Create a date night for just the two of you each week if possible, or if that is not possible as often as is practical but at east once a month. Even if you can’t get out for a candlelit dinner you can arrange it at home. And it costs a lost less. So that’s good for the budget too.
Romance might come through an unexpected gift for your loved one or a surprise love not in with his lunch. There are lots of ways we can add romance to a marriage.
Riches
No, I’m not talking about wealth and financial assets but do you value your marriage as something rich? Are you working at making your marriage rich in the things that matter? Rich in love, in time spent together, in concern and care and support for each other and in respect. Yes, we’ve come full circle back to that because it is so important.
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