Marriage Course - August 24, 2012

Day 8 - Nurture Each Other

Marriage

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

More Messages From Marriage Course...

Powered by Series Engine

Reactions to hurt

1. Anger

  • some are like rhinos-they attack when provoked
  • some are like hedgehogs-they withdraw when threatened

2. Retaliation

  • to let our partner know what the hurt felt like

3. Fear

  • we withdraw so as not to be hurt again

4. Guilt

  • hurt will always be caused by both partners

Identify whether you are a rhino or hedgehog. If you’re not sure, ask your partner.