Marriage Course - August 24, 2012

Day 8 - Nurture Each Other

Nurturing involves seeking to meet each other’s emotional needs for affection, encouragement, support, comfort, etc,

• we all have a longing to be loved and to be known by another
• empty space inside that needs to be filled up with love
• when empty, we feel alone or lonely giving each other emotional support refills the empty space inside
• we are made for close relationships

How to nurture
Be proactive rather than reactive:
• being reactive means focusing on each others shortcomings
• being proactive means focusing on each other’s needs
• proactive behavior draws couples together because each one feels loved; when we feel loved, we feel like loving

Study each other:
• recognize each other’s needs
• often our partner’s needs and desires will be different to our own
• discover what matters to your husband or wife. otherwise we tend to give what we like to receive.
• needs change over time
• make requests, not demands
• we can't assume our husband or wife automatically knows our desires. We must tell each other.

Question:Complete the worksheet under "Extras -> Study Guide"

From Series: "Marriage"

Study Guide

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Why is some conflict inevitable in every marriage?

  • we are different-different backgrounds, priorities, desires, personalities, opinions
  • no good trying to force our partner to do things our way
  • must see ourselves as being on the same side (3-legged race)
  • we are naturally self-centered
  • need to ask ourselves, “Are there ways I need to change for the sake of our partnership?”

Does the inevitability of conflict in marriage surprise you?  Why?  How does it challenge or affirm your approach to conflict?