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

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The four seasons of marriage (not every marriage will go through each stage, but the principles apply to all marriages)

Spring

  • early years of marriage
  • season of discovery and excitement
  • initial infatuation will wear off at some stage
  • the greatest need is to accept each other

Summer

  • season of increased activity and demands
  • may become parents during this season
  • may face pressures of infertility
  • careers can be more demanding
  • the greatest need is to give time to the marriage relationship

Reflect on what you’ve heard so far. Talk together about the pressures you’ve worked through until now in your relationship, and the pressures you’re currently facing.