Last week I covered Rule Number 1, which was there’s no such thing as a perfect marriage.
This week I’m going to examine another rule, the “get what you give” principle.
”This one sounds familiar…”
It should. I preach “get what you give” every chance I get. Why? Because I know it’s one hundred percent effective.
Take an article I wrote last October: How a Positive Attitude Affects Your Relationship. I dared you to practice harnessing the power of a positive attitude the next time your relationship was in need of a mood shift.
Did you try it? If not, why not? Don’t you want to see what will come back to you if you extend positive vibes?
”I’m giving, but I’m not getting.”
What are you giving? Attitude? (As in bad and full of venom.) Or are you genuinely giving of yourself?
Not compromising yourself or your principles. That’s called being a doormat. I’m not trying to tell you to let your spouse walk all over you.
I’m just saying that whatever energy you extend is going to come back to you.
”So what am I supposed to give?”
Everything you expect to get.
If you want a relationship based on honesty and trust, you have to be honest and trustworthy yourself.
If you want to spend more time with your spouse, you have to make yourself physically and emotionally available too.
If you want a spouse devoted to you, you have to be devoted to them.
If you want a more understanding spouse, you have to show understanding.
Get it now?
What This Rule Accomplishes
It keeps you honest. It’s a great gut-check mechanism. If you’re unhappy about something in your relationship, refer to this rule. Ask yourself, “Have I been giving like I should, or is what I’m getting a result of what I haven’t been giving?”
Because that’s what marriage ultimately comes down to –give and take. It’s learning the art of doing both that creates the harmony.
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